WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran “will not have a nuclear weapon” and confirmed that a US naval blockade had begun, as he signalled pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations.
Speaking during an unscheduled press gaggle outside the Oval Office, Trump said the dispute with Iran centred on nuclear capabilities. “It was over the fact that they will never have a nuclear weapon, Iran… Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, ” he said.
He added that Tehran had not agreed to that condition during talks. “We agreed to a lot of things, but they didn't agree to that and I think they will agree to it. I'm almost sure of it. In fact, I am sure of it. If they don't agree, there's no deal, ” Trump said.
The President indicated that Iran had reached out to resume negotiations. “We've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal very badly, very badly, ” he said.
On the military front, Trump confirmed that a blockade was underway. “Yeah, it started, 10:00, ” he said when asked whether the naval blockade had begun.