ALBAWABA - U.S. President Donald Trump said a new deal with Iran could be sealed soon but made it clear that Washington will not release frozen Iranian assets or ease sanctions before a formal agreement is signed.
Trump told NBC News in an interview that negotiations with Tehran were "very close" to being completed but that economic concessions would be contingent on Iran adhering to the terms of a concluded deal.
Frozen Iranian funds are among the most contentious issues in the ongoing talks, with both sides seeking guarantees before making significant concessions.
“We will continue to push for strong commitments to make sure that Iran does not get nuclear weapons,” Trump said. He also said he wanted to see further provisions to ensure that Tehran cannot find ways around or undermine any future deal.
Iranian officials have said they are willing to accept limits that would prevent it from developing nuclear weapons, but there is debate over how the deal would be implemented and verified, the U.S. president said.
Trump also warned that if an agreement is not reached, it could lead to more pressure on Iran, including actions to degrade its military capabilities. “Washington’s focus is on securing and ultimately eliminating highly enriched uranium in any lasting settlement,” he said.
The president also clarified that Lebanon is not expected to be part of a short-term deal being discussed between Washington and Tehran.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to intensify amid broader regional tensions, with negotiators working to bridge remaining differences over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and the future of frozen Iranian assets.
