Trump Hints at Weekend Talks with Iran, Optimistic on Nuclear Deal

In a significant development signaling a potential thaw in U.S.-Iran relations, President Donald Trump announced Thursday that peace talks are progressing exceptionally well, with a second round of face-to-face negotiations possibly taking place as early as this weekend. Speaking from the White House, Trump conveyed a strong sense of optimism, stating, “It’s looking very good that we’re going to make a deal with Iran, and it’s going to be a good deal. It’s going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons.” This assertion comes as a welcome surprise, given the often-fraught history between the two nations.

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Maybe over the weekend.

The President attributed the breakthrough to a shift in Iran's attitude, noting that they are now "willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago." He further elaborated on the specifics of the potential agreement, emphasizing that Iran has "agreed to give us back the nuclear dust that’s way underground because of the attack we made with the B-2 bombers." Trump was firm in his stance against Iran possessing nuclear weapons, dismissing any notion of a mere 20-year limit on enrichment, and instead reiterated a powerful commitment from Iran to forgo nuclear arms entirely.

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It’s looking very good that we’re going to make a deal with Iran, and it’s going to be a good deal. It’s going to be a deal with no nuclear weapons.

Beyond the Iran negotiations, President Trump also highlighted advancements in other Middle Eastern conflicts. He reported that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire and are slated to meet at the White House soon. Trump expressed his willingness to visit Lebanon at an appropriate time, underscoring the U.S.'s active role in brokering peace. He also lauded Pakistan's crucial role as a mediator in the Iran talks, even suggesting a potential visit to Islamabad if a deal is finalized there. The President’s remarks painted a picture of a White House actively engaged in de-escalating tensions and forging diplomatic solutions across the region.

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Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, while President Trump's pronouncements offer a glimmer of hope, it is crucial to approach these developments with a degree of caution. The specifics of the "deal" and Iran's alleged concessions, particularly the mention of "nuclear dust" and B-2 bomber attacks, require further clarification and verification. The U.S.'s continued military posturing, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and talk of "regime change," while perhaps intended as leverage, could also complicate diplomatic efforts. Nevertheless, the potential for a peaceful resolution and the reduction of nuclear proliferation in Iran would be a significant achievement, and the international community will be watching closely as these talks unfold.

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Pakistan has been great.