Asked about the future of the framework agreement reached with Iran in June through Pakistan’s mediation, US President Donald Trump said he did not want to extend the agreement as the 60-day negotiation period approached its end.
Responding “No” to reporters’ question, Trump said Iran was willing to sit down at the negotiating table but was not ready to accept the conditions he deemed necessary.
“They want to make a deal, but they’re not going to make the kind of deal that I think is necessary,” Trump said. Reiterating that Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, Trump said this was the only reason the United States had become involved in the process.
Trump’s claim about the Strait of Hormuz
Trump also answered questions about his earlier statement that he could soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory. Defending that view, Trump claimed that US forces were controlling the strategic waterway through a blockade.
Describing the blockade as “very effective,” Trump said millions of barrels of oil were being transported through the Strait of Hormuz every week because of US actions. Trump said the strait was open and oil prices had fallen, adding that prices would continue to decline if the United States decided not to take a harsher step.
Claiming that Iran was facing “major problems,” Trump also answered questions about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Oman’s role in the diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
Criticism of Oman
Asked whether he was losing patience with Oman’s stance, Trump said the country was “not behaving very well.” He also claimed that the United States could deal with Oman easily, as it could on other issues.
