Trump says Iran strike halted after request from ‘very good people’ in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that an intended “decisive attack” on Iran was halted after requests from “some very good people” in Pakistan, whom he described as being close to Tehran.

Speaking in an interview with a US television network, Trump said that Pakistani figures had urged Washington to pause military action against Iran and give diplomacy a chance.

“They said, ‘Can you stop? We will make a deal happen,’” Trump said, according to remarks aired on Saturday.

Trump also criticised Iran’s negotiating approach, saying Tehran repeatedly shifted its position after talks.

“Every time they make a deal, the next day it seems like we never had talks,” Trump said, adding: “There is something wrong with them. Actually, they are crazy.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from China, Trump said he had not initially supported a ceasefire but agreed to it at the urging of other nations, calling it “a favour to Pakistan.”

Trump again praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, describing both of them as “wonderful personalities.”

The US president also described his visit to China as successful and historic.

After returning to the White House, Trump told reporters the United States had reached “great trade agreements” with China and said relations between the two countries remained strong.

Earlier, Trump said that he had no objection to suspending Iran’s nuclear programme for 20 years, provided Tehran showed genuine commitment.

He said that he had discussed nuclear arms reduction and Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump said there had been no change in U.S. policy towards Taiwan and added he did not believe a conflict over the island was imminent. He also said Washington had not approved new arms supplies to Taiwan “for now.”