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WASHINGTON — President Trump discussed his plans for a nuclear deal with Iran Thursday — ahead of Friday talks in Rome between US and Iranian emissaries.
Trump expressed his condolences to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the murder of two Israeli diplomats in DC on Wednesday during the discussion.
The leaders talked “about a potential deal with Iran, which the president believes is moving along in the right direction,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing.
“And as the president told me, and he’s told all of you, this deal with Iran could end in two ways. It could end in a very positive diplomatic solution, or it could end in a very negative situation for Iran. So that’s why these talks are taking place.”
Leavitt said Trump and Netanyahu “have a good relationship, one that’s built on transparency and trust.”
“The president has made it very clear to not just Prime Minister Netanyahu, but also the world that he wants to see a deal with Iran struck if one can be struck,” she said.
“He does not want to have to take the latter option, the more severe and negative option. He wants to see a deal. The president is a deal maker and believes strongly in diplomacy and he made that clear to the Prime Minister, but also to all of you, and frankly, the rest of the world.”
Trump’s Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Policy Planning Director Michael Anton will travel to Rome for the fifth round of talks between the US and Iran — coming after Trump ordered strict enforcement of sanctions, including on oil exports, to starve Tehran of funds for nuclear enrichment.
English (US)