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Donald Trump has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons but should reach a “verified nuclear peace agreement”, which the US should begin work on immediately.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump said reports that the US and Israel were preparing to “blow Iran into smithereens” were “greatly exaggerated”.
“I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed. God Bless the Middle East!”
In an executive order on Tuesday, Trump signalled a return to a “maximum pressure” sanctions policy to try to pressure Tehran to “end its nuclear threat”.
The order promised a “robust and continual campaign” by the US Treasury and other agencies to “drive Iran’s export of oil to zero, including exports of Iranian crude to the People’s Republic of China”.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful civilian purposes, but it is enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels.
This is a developing story
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