Trump seeks 'eternal deal' with 'nuclear-free Iran'

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump has stated that he wants a permanent deal with Iran, including provisions that Tehran will never possess nuclear weapons. “I want that deal to be eternal. I want a deal where they will never have the chance to obtain [nuclear weapons],” Trump told reporters on Thursday. He also said that currently, the United States can achieve a temporary deal, lasting about 20 years - the time reportedly needed by the Islamic Republic to rebuild its nuclear capabilities. The United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran on 28 February, causing damage and civilian casualties. On 7 April, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, which was followed by talks in Islamabad that ended without conclusion. After failing to reach an agreement, the United States declared it would begin blockading ships entering and leaving Iranian ports. After the two-week ceasefire expired, Trump said the United States would extend the ceasefire with Iran while continuing the blockade, adding that peace talks with Iran “might” occur within the next 36 to 72 hours.