U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the course of dealing with Iran is making progress, while keeping multiple options on the table should understandings falter, noting that pressure is continuing in parallel with the negotiating track.
He said: “Things are going well with Iran, and our ordeal with Iran has lasted 47 years and that will end. If we do not reach an agreement, we will continue the blockade of Iran’s ports.”
In a related context, he pointed to his country’s support for Lebanon in the post-escalation phase, adding: “We will help Lebanon rebuild, and there are good partners.”
He continued: “We will recover the uranium through an agreement with Iran, and there will be a major difference after the deal is signed. We have not set a timetable for obtaining enriched uranium from Iran, and we will get it either through an agreement or in an unfriendly way.”
He indicated that the issue of a ceasefire remains tied to the outcome of the negotiations, saying: “The ceasefire may not be extended if we do not reach an agreement by Wednesday, but the blockade will continue, and unfortunately we will have to start dropping bombs again.”
He also touched on relations with Israel, explaining: “Netanyahu and I disagree on some things, but he is a very good partner and we have done a good job, and negotiations with Iran will continue over the weekend.”
He concluded by stressing that escalatory alternatives remain on the table if the diplomatic track fails, adding: “Unfortunately, we will have to start dropping bombs again if we do not reach an agreement.”
