WASHINGTON, D.O.C.: The United States is close to securing a nuclear agreement with Iran, US President Donald Trump announced during an interview with Fox News at the White House. However, the President issued a stern warning that military action remains a firm option if the high-stakes negotiations ultimately fail.
Trump emphasized that his administration’s absolute priority is ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. “We’re close to a very good deal, and if we can make it good, otherwise we just start up with the Department of War, as we call it,” Trump stated.
Expanded Terms and Non-Acquisition Guarantees According to the President, Iranian negotiators have agreed to specific language that bars the nation from developing, acquiring, or purchasing nuclear weapons. Trump noted that he personally pushed to expand the terms of the discussion after raising concerns about loopholes regarding external procurement.
“They originally said, ‘We will not develop a nuclear weapon.’ I said, ‘Well, what happens if you buy a nuclear weapon?’” Trump explained during the interview. “Now it says, ‘We will not develop or in any way purchase a nuclear weapon.’”
Describing the Iranian representatives as “very tough negotiators,” Trump acknowledged that the process has been slow and difficult, but maintained that progress is steadily being made. “Slowly but surely, we’re getting, I think, what we want,” he said, while reiterating that a deal failing to protect US interests would be entirely unacceptable and would force the US to “end it a different way.”
Strait of Hormuz and Election Considerations Trump argued that Iran is currently negotiating from a severely weakened position following recent US military operations. He asserted that a successful final agreement would require immediate structural concessions beyond the nuclear program, specifically targeting vital trade routes.
“Number one, the Strait of Hormuz has to be opened immediately and has to remain free, with no tolls. Number two, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump mandated.
The President dismissed any speculation that political considerations surrounding next year’s midterm elections would influence his geopolitical approach to Tehran, stating simply, “I have to do what’s right.”
The interview concluded with Trump criticizing domestic media coverage of the Middle East conflict and accusing Democrats of opposing key elements of his domestic agenda, including border security measures and tax cuts. The administration’s diplomatic push comes after months of heightened tensions in the region.
