US President Donald Trump, speaking in extended remarks at the White House, has addressed Iran nuclear talks, which resume on Sunday amid hostile rhetoric from both sides and a threat of military action from Israel.
- Trump says: "I'd love to avoid the conflict. Iran's going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher. Meaning they're going to have to give us some things that they're not willing to give right now." Trump is likely referring to the standoff over whether Tehran should be permitted to retain an enrichment programme for its civilian nuclear programme.
- The Trump administration initially appeared open to the idea of some Iranian enrichment but has since pivoted to a harder line, likely under pressure from Iran hawks in Congress who viewed a preliminary offer as more favourable to Iran than the 2015 nuclear deal.
- Trump addresses recent reports that Israel could be preparing a unilateral strike on Iran in the coming days. The US position on an Israeli strike is unclear, with some reports suggesting that Washington could provide some level of logistical support.
- Trump: "We're fairly close to an agreement [with Iran] ... As long as there is an agreement, I don't want [Israel] going in"... I'd prefer the more friendly path, but [Iran] can't have a nuclear weapon."
- Trump said on his decision to withdraw US Troops from the region: "There's a chance of massive conflict... We gotta tell them to get out because something could happen soon..." Adds: "Hopefully it doesn't happen."
- Politico reported this week that the Israeli threat could bolster Trump's negotiating position by providing Trump a credible threat to backstop his position.