President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States would hold talks with Iran next week, with a possible agreement on the table about Tehran’s nuclear program.
“We’re going to talk to them next week with Iran, we may sign an agreement, I don’t know,” said Trump.
He said Israel and Iran were tired but the conflict between the two countries could start again.
“I dealt with both and they’re both tired, exhausted... and can it start again? I guess someday, it can. It could maybe start soon,” Trump told reporters.
Trump also said that the US has not given up its maximum pressure on Iran – including restrictions on sales of Iranian oil – but signaled a potential easing in enforcement to help the country rebuild.
“They’re going to need money to put that country back into shape. We want to see that happen,” Trump said when asked if he was easing oil sanctions on Iran.
Trump said a day earlier that China can continue to purchase Iranian oil after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, but the White House later clarified that his comments did not indicate a relaxation of US sanctions.
Trump imposed waves of Iran-related sanctions on several of China’s independent “teapot” refineries and port terminal operators for purchases of Iranian oil.
