WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said talks with Iran are ongoing, describing the current opportunity as Tehran’s “last chance” to sign what he called a good deal.
Speaking to reporters at an event in Washington, Trump said the United States was engaging in discussions at Iran’s request and claimed that the talks were moving in a positive direction. He said direct or indirect contact between the two sides would take place soon.
Trump reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He also demanded that the Strait of Hormuz be fully reopened by tomorrow, saying discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme would follow.
The US president also criticised oil companies, claiming they were making unusually large profits. He said restoring normal operations in the Strait of Hormuz was not an especially complicated matter and could be resolved quickly.
Turning to Britain, Trump said he wanted to maintain good relations with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while stressing that Washington could not tell other countries how to run their own affairs.
Trump also described immigration as a major challenge for Europe. He argued that Britain could secure cheaper energy by making full use of its North Sea oil reserves, which he claimed could meet the country’s needs for hundreds of years.
Trump further claimed that Iran had contacted him directly, asking the US not to attack and seeking a deal. “That’s the real story, and everyone knows it,” he said.
Iran, however, has previously rejected similar claims by the US president about direct contacts and requests from Tehran.
