US close to a very good deal with Iran: Trump

TALKS AT CROSSROADS | Iranians are good negotiators, says POTUS, warns Tehran of alternative path if negotiations fail

Washington: President Donald Trump has said the US and Iran are close to a “very good deal," but if Washington does not get what it wants, it will “end it in a different way”. Trump made the remarks during an interview with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, which was broadcast on Fox News on Saturday night.

“We’re close to a very good deal. If you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal, and slowly but surely, we’re getting what we want — and if we don’t get what we want, we’re going to end it a different way,” the Republican president said.

He noted that the Iranians are “good negotiators”, but argued the US now holds “all the cards” because Iran has been “militarily defeated”. 

Trump said the Iranians stated they were not developing a nuclear weapon, but he countered by asking what if they bought one. “I said, well what happens if you buy a nuclear weapon? So now it says we will not develop or in any way purchase a military weapon. That’s a big difference,” he said.

The American leader insisted the US has “significant leverage” over Iran, as their navy and air force were “completely destroyed”. However, he added that the US has not fully dismantled Iran's military because some of the leadership was more moderate. The Republican leader said the US had targeted Iran’s more extreme elements and key leadership.

We are close to a very good deal. If we can make it, good. Otherwise we just start up with the Department of War as we call it.

Donald trump US President