Source: Trump Makes Offer to Iran – Newsweek
President Donald Trump has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons but should reach a “verified nuclear peace agreement” and the United States should begin working on immediately.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said reports that the US and Israel were preparing to “blow Iran into smithereens” were “greatly exaggerated”.
Why it matters
Decades of animosity between Iran and the United States are one of the main drivers of instability in the Middle East. Trump has previously taken a strong stand on Iran and particularly on a nuclear program which could lead to the development of atomic weapons. Iran says its nuclear aims are peaceful.
Iranian nuclear weapons would significantly change the balance of power in the region with regards to Israel, a U.S. ally and Iranian arch-foe, which is believed to have nuclear weapons already.
What did Trump say about Iran?
“I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed. God Bless the Middle East!”
‘Maximum Pressure’ Strategy Returns
On Tuesday, Trump issued a presidential memorandum signaling a return to the “maximum pressure” policy of his first administration, aiming to eliminate Iran’s oil exports.
Trump said that his administration’s strategy was working, but at the same time, he expressed openness to talks with Tehran, stating that he hoped negotiations would take place.
Trump’s decision to reinstate tough sanctions marks a renewed effort to curb Iran’s nuclear program and economic influence. His 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal led to a sharp decline in Tehran’s oil revenue, but Iranian exports have since rebounded.
Iranian Nuclear Program
Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, but it continues to enrich uranium at levels close to weapons-grade. Trump argues that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities pose a significant threat, stating that maximum pressure is necessary to end its “nuclear threat, curtail its ballistic missile program and stop its support for terrorist groups.”
On a separate front, rare praise has come from Iran for Trump over the suspension of funding for USAID.
What People Are Saying
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: “Maximum pressure is a failed experience, and trying it again will only lead to another failure. If the main concern is ensuring that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, this can be achieved — it is not a problem.”
President Donald Trump: “With me, it’s very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Dina Esfandiary, Senior Advisor, International Crisis Group said on X: “Many Iranian officials in this administration are aware of the opportunity they have before them.”
What Happens Next
Trump’s renewed push to restrict Iran’s oil sales is likely to face resistance, particularly from China. Brent crude prices dipped 1 percent Wednesday, indicating skepticism among oil traders that U.S. sanctions will fully halt Iranian exports.