Trump: 'We are close to getting most of what we want in Iran negotiations'

US President Donald Trump, in his latest interview with CNBC, delivered important messages regarding diplomatic contacts with Iran, the country's nuclear capacity, and the military tensions in the Gulf.

Describing recent developments with Iran as a process of "nuclear disarmament, not war," Trump said, "You cannot let them have a nuclear weapon. And I've been doing this for three and a half, four months."

Trump also touched upon the US intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power, stating, "Look at Venezuela, that was a one-day war. And we got back many times over the money we spent on the cost of the war. But in a way, I'm doing just as well with Iran. This is a much bigger, much more complex situation."

Trump stated that Iran is close to accepting almost all of the US's demands in the recent negotiations.

"IRAN HAS ACTED LIKE A SPOILED CHILD FOR YEARS," HE SAID

Emphasizing Iran's influence in the region over the last 47 years, Trump compared the country to a "spoiled child" and said: "If you are a spoiled child and you have made your family do whatever you wanted for years, it might take some time to get used to it when you are suddenly confronted firmly." Trump claimed that Iran has acted like the "bully of the Middle East" for a long time, directing countries and the US in the direction they wanted.

Trump also recalled the 1.7 billion dollar cash payment made to Iran during the Barack Obama era, alleging that this money was used for nuclear research and missile and weapons programs.

Reiterating that he absolutely does not accept Iran having a nuclear weapon, Trump said, "No other president even thought about doing what I did. I dismantled their armies in a short time. They have no navy, no air force, no radar, all their leaders are dead. Their new leaders are also dead. We are on the third group of leaders and we actually get along well with them. I think they are much more rational."

Trump claimed that there has been an unofficial regime change in Iran and that new leadership cadres are in charge in that country. However, emphasizing that his main goal is not to change the regime but to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, he said, "I think this is a regime change, but I am not after regime change. I am after something very simple: that they do not have a nuclear weapon."

Trump also mentioned the impact of military moves, saying, "They are completely defeated militarily. They have a few missiles left, we can destroy those too." Speaking about recent US attacks on Iran, Trump stated, "I hit them very hard three times last week because they sent a drone to a ship. Then they did something else and I hit them again. I hit them three nights in a row, and the week before that, I hit them very hard two nights in a row."

Noting that talks with the Iranian side are continuing, Trump said, "I think they have accepted almost everything we need."

Stating that the Iranian economy is in a difficult situation, Trump claimed that the Tehran administration might be forced to turn to trade in agricultural products with the US due to high inflation and cash shortages. Claiming that if Iran's frozen assets are released during the resolution process, they might want to buy American corn, wheat, and soybeans with these funds, Trump assessed, "They have 300 percent inflation, they can't make any money. They need food. They need corn, wheat, and soybeans, and we will ensure that only and only our American farmers supply these. Of course, if we can get to that position we need to reach. I think we will get to that position. Their power is exhausted, their bullying is over; although they are keeping a pretty good friend by their side: the only thing they have is fake news."

News Source: 12punto