On Thursday, President Trump suggested that the U.S. and Iran might be nearing an agreement regarding a nuclear deal, stating that both parties are engaged in “very serious negotiations” aimed at achieving “long-term peace.”
“You’ve probably read today that the story about Iran agreed to the terms,” Trump mentioned to reporters during a business roundtable in Qatar.
“They are not going to make — I call it nuclear dust in a friendly way. We are not going to make nuclear dust in Iran. And we want them to succeed. I want them to be a great country.”
According to reports, an Iranian source familiar with the talks indicated that there remains a significant gap between the two sides.
In recent weeks, Iranian and U.S. officials have been discussing Tehran’s nuclear program. Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the Obama-era nuclear deal, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities.
The president appears to be adopting a more supportive approach towards Iran, possibly considering the establishment of a civilian nuclear program, yet has firmly stated that Tehran cannot obtain nuclear weapons.
On Tuesday, Trump cautioned Iran that he would apply “maximum pressure” if it continues hostile actions towards its neighbors.
