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🇰🇷 South Korea /Conflict & Security

Trump warns Iran of bombing if deal violated; suggests tolerance for some missiles

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Donald Trump warned Iran of renewed military strikes if it violates the memorandum of understanding.
  • He indicated a willingness to tolerate Iran's limited ballistic missile possession, distinguishing it from nuclear weapons.
  • Trump stated the US would not fund Iran's reconstruction but suggested private investment could occur, and that frozen assets should be returned.

During a press conference following the G7 summit in France, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his warning to Iran regarding potential military action if the country breaches the terms of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU).

We will go back to bombing if they don't keep to the deal

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump warning of renewed military strikes against Iran if the country violates the memorandum of understanding.

"We will go back to bombing if they don't keep to the deal," Trump told reporters, emphasizing that any violation would result in military strikes rather than legal action. He framed the agreement as crucial for ending the current conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "Iran can develop, buy, or possess nuclear weapons in any way," he asserted, calling this the "99%" of the deal. Trump also mentioned that if the agreement isn't finalized within 60 days, the U.S. could resume bombing.

Trump appeared to differentiate between nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, suggesting a tolerance for Iran possessing a limited number of the latter, provided other nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar also possess them. "Ballistic missiles are not the same as nuclear weapons," he stated, adding that while missiles can cause regional damage, they do not pose an existential threat to the globe.

Iran can develop, buy, or possess nuclear weapons in any way

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump defining a key objective of the agreement with Iran.

Regarding Iran's reconstruction fund of $300 billion, Trump clarified that the U.S. would not provide direct financial support. "We are not paying. America doesn't have to give anything," he said, though he acknowledged that "some people might want to invest." He also addressed frozen assets, stating, "It's not our money, it's their money." Trump argued that returning these funds is essential for maintaining confidence in the dollar, explaining that withholding them could undermine the global financial system.

Ballistic missiles are not the same as nuclear weapons

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump differentiating between ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons in relation to Iran's capabilities.

Trump also commented on the roles of China and Russia in the recent events, describing them as "very neutral." He specifically praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for not supplying Iran with significant weaponry and suggested China may have aided in the resolution. He also claimed China largely adhered to his request not to provide Iran with portable weapons capable of shooting down aircraft.

We are not paying. America doesn't have to give anything

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump clarifying the U.S. position on funding Iran's reconstruction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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