Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump expressed continued optimism about the possibility of reaching a strategic agreement with Iran “quite quickly.” He revealed that Tehran had already agreed not to acquire nuclear weapons and indicated that developments were progressing rapidly.
Despite expressing frustration that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon could derail the broader peace process, Trump asserted in an interview published Wednesday by the New York Post that things “will be very good” in the future.
He explained that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved in the current negotiations and hinted at the possibility of a direct meeting with him later. He also predicted that gasoline prices would drop once the war ends.
Written conditions set by the US for Tehran
In a related development, ABC News, citing US officials, reported that Trump is now demanding specific, written nuclear concessions from Tehran as part of a preliminary agreement to break the deadlock.
This firm decision came during a meeting in the White House Situation Room. Trump felt that the verbal assurances previously given by Iranian negotiators regarding the terms of the nuclear program were not strong enough.
The US president categorically denied reports that talks between Washington and Tehran had broken down. He affirmed that communication had not ceased. He also emphasized that he had informed the Iranian side of the necessity of reaching an agreement, even though the path to a resolution remains uncertain.
Anger over Netanyahu and stability in oil and stock markets
On the Lebanese front, Trump delivered a political surprise by expressing his deep displeasure with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon. He stated unequivocally, “I had a very angry conversation with Netanyahu, and I am very upset by his continued and raging war with Lebanon.” This clearly indicates Washington’s desire to curb the regional escalation that threatens a comprehensive settlement.
oil prices
Economically, the US president boasted about the resilience of the American economy, citing the record highs of the stock market. Trump also dismissed pessimistic predictions of a dramatic surge in global energy prices. He commented, “Everyone said before that the price of a barrel of oil would jump to $300 or $400 as a result of the escalation, while now it’s stable at only $98 a barrel.” He added, however, “Even this current price is not a high price at all when you consider the potential catastrophe if Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon.”
