Trump Says Iran Agreed Not to Have Nuclear Weapons, Claims Deal Reached

Financial News, New York = Lee Byung-chulU.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to possess nuclear weapons.
In an interview on the New York Post podcast "Pod Force One," released on the 3rd local time, Trump said, "Iran has already agreed not to have nuclear weapons."
He reiterated, "No matter how good the economy may be, Iran's possession of nuclear weapons is unacceptable, so action had to be taken," adding, "They agreed not to have nuclear weapons." When the host asked, "Did Iran actually agree to those terms?" Trump replied, "Yes. They agreed."
He also said, "They could still change their minds," but added that giving up nuclear weapons was a key condition that had to be agreed upon and that Iran had, in fact, accepted it. However, the Iranian government has not issued an official response to Trump's remarks.
The United States-Iran War, now approaching its 100th day, remains in a ceasefire, but the conflict is still deadlocked without a permanent peace agreement.
Tensions have deepened as both sides have recently sent conflicting messages about the status of negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations the previous day that there is room for Iran to negotiate over part of its nuclear program.
Rubio said, "As far as I remember, this is the first time," and noted that just a few months ago Iran had refused even to discuss its nuclear program, but has now reached a stage where some issues can be brought to the negotiating table.
By contrast, Iranian state media reported a few days earlier that Iran's leadership had cut off contact with the United States, taking a position that contradicted the U.S. side's claims.
Markets remain unconvinced that negotiations are making progress.
After Trump's interview was released, international oil prices continued to rise, while U.S. stock index futures moved in mixed trading.
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked, international oil prices are trading below $100 per barrel, but they remain elevated.
Still, Trump dismissed the possibility that the blockade could last for an extended period.
Asked whether the blockade could continue until International Workers' Day, he said, "It could, but the chances are low," adding, "I think this issue will be resolved relatively quickly."
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pride@fnnews.com Lee Byung-chul Reporter