Trump explains details of the nuclear agreement with Iran and its abandonment of weapons
Former US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a new political settlement, indicating that there is a good chance of finalizing the nuclear agreement with Iran if he returns to power or if the current negotiations are completed. In remarks to Fox News, Trump explained that the Iranians are currently negotiating, predicting positive results soon. These statements come shortly after he renewed his stark threats to bomb vital Iranian infrastructure if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, reflecting a strategy that combines “maximum pressure” with diplomacy.
Historical background of the nuclear agreement with Iran
To understand the nature of these statements, one must consider the complex historical context of US-Iranian relations. In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed between Tehran and the P5+1 group. However, during his first term, Trump made the decisive move in 2018 to unilaterally withdraw from the agreement, calling it “the worst deal ever,” and reimposed harsh economic sanctions on Tehran. This withdrawal led to escalating tensions in the Middle East and prompted Iran to gradually reduce its nuclear commitments. Today, Trump’s recent statements reflect a tactical shift, as he believes Tehran has effectively abandoned the idea of acquiring a nuclear weapon, and that the current negotiations are no longer focused on this conceded point but rather on other issues.
Stern threats and guarantees for the negotiators
In his televised interview, Trump's rhetoric was not without its usual threats. He explicitly warned that if the two sides did not quickly reach an agreement that satisfied American aspirations, he would seriously consider taking harsh military action, including destroying everything and seizing Iranian oil resources. Despite these threats, Trump revealed a striking detail: providing "immunity" to the Iranian negotiators to ensure the continuation of the talks, protecting them from any potential American or Israeli strikes during the negotiation period. This demonstrates a genuine desire to keep diplomatic channels open.
Regional and international repercussions of any potential settlement
Any rapprochement or new agreement between Washington and Tehran would be of paramount importance and have far-reaching implications. Regionally, de-escalation would mitigate proxy conflicts in the Middle East and provide a more stable environment for the Gulf states, which have long expressed concern about Iranian interference and its missile program. Internationally, stability in the Strait of Hormuz would ensure the smooth flow of global energy supplies, positively impacting oil markets and the global economy. Moreover, successful diplomacy on this issue would reshape geopolitical alliances and affect Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
Controversy over arming Iranian protesters
On another front, Trump addressed the issue of internal protests in Iran, indicating that the United States had previously attempted to send large quantities of weapons to anti-government demonstrators. He explained that this operation was carried out through Kurdish groups in the region, believing that the Kurds had already taken up arms to support these movements. However, these statements sparked widespread controversy, especially after a high-ranking official from Iraqi Kurdistan denied these allegations in late March, asserting that Washington does not arm Iranian Kurdish rebel groups based within Iraqi territory. This adds another layer of ambiguity to the nature of American support for the Iranian opposition.
