Trump says no Iran deal needed for uranium, doesn't want to meet Khamenei

President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that the United States does not require a deal with Iran to obtain enriched uranium from the country. "We could get it right now. I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed," he told reporters.

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We could get it right now. I don't think they could stop us if we wanted, but there's no reason to. It's entombed.

Trump also stated he did not wish to meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, though he suggested a meeting might occur if a deal were reached, adding, "If it happened ... I'd be respectful."

Regarding Lebanon, Trump expressed optimism about progress between Israel and Lebanon, stating the country "deserved to have peace." He mentioned speaking with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Hezbollah about it."

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If it happened ... I'd be respectful.

These comments followed a U.S. State Department statement on Wednesday announcing an agreement between Israel and Lebanon on implementing a ceasefire. The State Department indicated the ceasefire was contingent on Hezbollah halting all fire and withdrawing operatives from south of the Litani River. "Pilot zones" under the Lebanese army's exclusive control, with no non-state actors present, were also agreed upon to "enable progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement."

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I actually spoke to Hezbollah about it.

However, Hezbollah on Thursday rejected the plan. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem described the negotiations as "shameless" and the U.S. declaration as "a roadmap for the annihilation of a section of the Lebanese people and the enslavement of the rest." He stated, "As long as the occupation exists, the resistance will continue."

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a roadmap for the annihilation of a section of the Lebanese people and the enslavement of the rest.