President Donald Trump has addressed the ongoing challenges in negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, highlighting the role of Iranian hardliners in potentially jeopardizing the agreement. Speaking during an executive order signing in the Oval Office, Trump noted the volatility within Iran’s leadership as a significant factor in the negotiations.
Challenges in Diplomacy
Trump expressed concerns about the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, known for its hardline stance, and the impact of multiple leadership changes in Iran since Operation Epic Fury began. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of the region, stating, “Anything can happen, you know, when you’re dealing with Iran, but when you’re dealing with other countries, but that’s a very volatile part of the world, probably the most volatile part of the world, the people are volatile.”
Preference for Diplomatic Solutions
Despite these challenges, President Trump reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution over military action. “We could go another two, three weeks and just wipe everybody out. I’d rather not do that,” he said, highlighting the desire to achieve a written agreement that avoids further conflict.
Recent Skirmishes and Economic Impact
The president also addressed recent exchanges of fire between the U.S. and Iran, including attacks on American allies and bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Despite these skirmishes, Trump remains optimistic about reaching a deal, noting that negotiations are ongoing and “in theory, they’re pretty close to signing the paper.”
Trump defended his economic policies amid the conflict, pointing to the strong performance of the stock market despite rising gas prices. He stated, “We had the strongest stock market in history, and I said we have no choice, we have to do it.”
Ongoing Negotiations
Negotiations continue as the U.S. maintains a naval blockade against Iranian ports, impacting the Iranian economy significantly. Trump emphasized that time is on America’s side, with the blockade costing Iran up to $500 million a day.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
