In a significant move on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive action to restore the \"maximum pressure\" campaign on Iran, aiming to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office during the signing ceremony—details of which have not yet been made public—Trump expressed hesitation about the decision but emphasized the necessity of being \"strong and firm\" against Iran.
\"So this is one that I'm torn about. Everybody wants me to sign it. I'll do that. It's very tough on Iran,\" Trump said. \"We will see whether or not we can arrange or work out a deal with Iran.\"
The president indicated his reluctance but reiterated his commitment to ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear capabilities. \"I'm signing this and I'm unhappy to do it, but I really have not so much choice because we have to be strong and firm,\" he continued. \"I mean, we're going to see they cannot have a nuclear weapon with me. It's very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.\"
The executive action came shortly before Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu's visit focuses on urging the United States to intensify pressure on Iran.
Later, seated alongside Netanyahu in the Oval Office, Trump responded to questions about Iran by criticizing current U.S. Middle East policies. He claimed that Iran was \"in big trouble\" at the end of his first term but has become \"very strong right now\" due to what he described as the Biden administration's failed policies.
\"We're not going to allow them to have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple. You know, I signed a very strong proclamation,\" Trump stated.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
