United States President Donald Trump said Washington was working toward what he described as a “great deal” with Tehran, while warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in renewed military action.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic settlement because it would “save a lot of lives” and could lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz once an agreement is signed.
“The US is going to make a great deal,” Trump said, adding that if negotiations fail, “we’ll just go back and finish it off militarily.”
Terming Iran’s leadership as “very tough negotiators”, he claimed the US was gradually securing its objectives.
“It takes a long time. I’m in no hurry,” Trump said. “If you’re gonna be in a hurry, you’re not gonna make a good deal. And slowly but surely, we’re getting, I think, what we want. And if we don’t get what we want, we’re gonna end it a different way.”
Meanwhile, US media reported on Saturday that Trump had proposed several revisions to a draft framework aimed at ending tensions in the Middle East, as negotiators continue efforts to finalise an agreement.
According to the media reports, the revised proposal includes stricter conditions and has been sent back to Iran for further consideration. Officials familiar with the discussions said the amendments reflected Trump’s push for tougher terms.
Axios reported that Trump wanted to strengthen provisions he viewed as critical, particularly those concerning the handling of Iran’s nuclear material.
Trump says Strait of Hormuz to reopen after Iran blockade ends
