Iran ‘not going to make the kind of deal I feel is necessary,’ says Trump as 60-day deal deadline lapses

On August 17, US President Donald Trump expressed his stance on Iran's nuclear program, stating that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon and that Tehran is unlikely to accept the kind of deal he deemed necessary. As the 60-day negotiating period between the two nations concluded without an agreement, Trump reiterated his belief that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, adding that they are not going to make the kind of deal he feels is necessary.

During a press briefing, Trump expressed his support for declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory, claiming that the US has total control over the strategic waterway. He also mentioned that the US is moving millions of barrels out of the crucial waterway, which has led to a decrease in oil prices. Trump further commented on Iran's current situation, stating that the country is in a mess with a 300% inflation rate.

The expiration of the 60-day negotiating period coincides with the ongoing restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and the absence of substantive negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Trump's remarks come as Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Israel of sabotaging diplomatic efforts and obstructing a lasting ceasefire agreement with the United States. Araghchi claimed that the Zionist regime actively worked against the memorandum of understanding to prevent its implementation.