US-Iran peace deal: Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional, says Trump | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump said Sunday (local time) that negotiations with Iran on a peace deal are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, adding that relations between the two countries are becoming more professional and productive.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said: “Negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner and I have informed my representatives not to rush a deal because time is on our side. The blockade will remain in full force and effect until the deal is concluded, ratified and signed. Both sides need to take their time and get this right. There can be no mistakes! Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional and productive.”
He added: “However, they must understand that they cannot develop or procure a nuclear weapon or bomb. So far I would like to thank all the countries of the Middle East for their support and cooperation, which will be further strengthened and strengthened by joining the nations of the historic Abraham Accords, and who knows, maybe the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join.”
The development comes a day after the US president announced that a peace deal with Iran was “largely negotiated” and hinted that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened.
Read also | US-Iran peace talks: Trump says Tehran deal ‘largely negotiated’
Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13 after Tehran effectively halted traffic through the economically vital Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28.
Trump’s comments came as bipartisan opposition gathered in Washington overnight, with several current and former lawmakers and officials criticizing aspects of the deal that have reportedly begun to leak.
Trump criticizes Barack Obama
Trump also criticized his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, blaming him for the Iran nuclear deal. He wrote: “One of the worst deals our country has ever made was the Iran nuclear deal, put forward and signed by Barack Hussein Obama and rank-and-file amateurs in the Obama administration. It was a direct path to Iran developing a nuclear weapon.”
US and Iran at odds over peace deal?
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there could be “some good news” on the blocked Strait of Hormuz in the coming hours as Iran and Washington push for peace talks.
Rubio, who has been in India for a four-day visit since May 23, told reporters on Sunday: “There has been some progress,” adding: “I don’t want to play it down, but I also want to point out that we still have some work to do.”
However, Iranian media and officials were more circumspect. Washington and Tehran are still at odds over “one or two provisions”, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said, citing an “informed source”. The Fars agency, meanwhile, dismissed Trump’s claims as “far from reality” without citing anyone.
According to an Axios report, the deal would include a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, during which the strait would be reopened and Iran would be able to sell its oil. Further negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program would follow.
Trump has yet to announce aspects of the deal
While the White House did not release details of the deal, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on state television on Saturday that the two sides were approaching “a memorandum of understanding, a kind of framework agreement made up of 14 clauses,” which he described as “a trend toward rapprochement.”
With the US president yet to release details of the deal, an AP report, citing regional sources familiar with the development, suggested what a potential deal could include.
The deal could potentially include a pledge by Tehran not to seek a nuclear weapon and an agreement to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened gradually, along with Washington ending its blockade of Iranian ports.
Read also | US-Iran peace deal: Tehran to give up enriched uranium stockpile
In addition, the US will allow Iran to sell its oil through sanctions waivers. During the 60-day time frame, sanctions relief and the release of Tehran’s frozen funds will be discussed.
The US and Iran appear to be moving closer to a potential framework deal, although key differences remain unresolved due to growing political scrutiny in Washington.
