Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made a significant statement on the ongoing negotiations with Iran, promising a new nuclear agreement that would be "much better" than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He harshly criticized the previous deal, labeling it "one of the worst deals" for U.S. security and a guaranteed pathway for Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump asserted that a deal reached under his administration would guarantee peace and security for Israel, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. He reiterated claims that the original JCPOA involved the transfer of billions of dollars to Iran, referencing a confirmed $1.7 billion cash settlement and alleging that "hundreds of billions" in unfrozen assets and oil revenue benefited Iran's economy.
The former president framed his 2018 withdrawal from the pact as a preventative security measure, stating that had he not terminated it, nuclear weapons would have been developed and used to attack Israel and U.S. bases. He also cited recent regional tensions, claiming Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a French ship and a British cargo vessel.
Trump announced that U.S. officials would soon travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks with Iranian representatives. However, he issued a stark ultimatum, explicitly stating that "harsh military options were on the table" if Iran does not accept a new agreement, including the potential to target "all power plants and bridges in Iran."
Analysts speculate a potential "Trump deal" would demand more extensive concessions, such as permanent nuclear restrictions, limits on Iran's ballistic missile program, and addressing its support for regional proxy groups. The pathway to such an agreement faces immense hurdles, given Iran's stated refusal to renegotiate under pressure and its deepened ties with Russia and China since the U.S. withdrawal.
