Iran must abandon nuclear ambitions, Strait blockade to remain until US deal: Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, warning that restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place until a formal agreement is reached with Washington.

Speaking at the White House during a media briefing, Trump said the United States would not move forward with lengthy negotiations or travel for symbolic talks, insisting that Iran must respond directly if it wants a deal.

“We can’t travel 18 hours from the US just for a piece of paper to strike a deal with Iran,” he said, adding that Tehran had already been informed about Washington’s position.

He said early discussions had taken place but there were “no positive responses” from Iran. “We do not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons,” Trump said, adding that communication could still take place if Tehran chose to call.

Reaffirming his hardline stance, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz blockade would remain until a comprehensive agreement is finalized with the United States, linking regional maritime restrictions to nuclear negotiations.

He also claimed that Iran had suffered significant damage to its military assets, including vessels, nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure, saying its economy had been severely weakened.

On foreign diplomacy, Trump said he had a “very good conversation” with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on ending the war in Ukraine. He also referred to his meeting with King Charles III, calling it “positive and great,” and said the British monarch agreed with the US position on Iran, despite differences on Ukraine and NATO policy.