After Trump's meeting with Rutte, he criticizes NATO

UK media: US continues to deploy thousands of Marines to the Middle East

US Vice President: Optimistic about negotiations with Iran

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Following his meeting with NATO Secretary General Rutte, US President Trump stated that he believes the organization will not come to Washington's aid when it is needed.

Rutte summarized the meeting by saying that US leaders are clearly dissatisfied with NATO allies.

Trump posted on his social platform "Truth Social": "When we needed NATO, NATO didn't show up; if we need them again, they still won't show up. Everyone remembers Greenland — a vast expanse of ice, poorly managed."

Previously, Trump claimed that NATO refused to assist Washington in actions against Iran and is seriously considering exiting NATO. He described allies' responses to requests for help as an "indelible stain."

Trump also said he is prepared to bid farewell to NATO due to the positions taken by other countries regarding the issue of US control over Greenland.

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Reuters cited US officials reporting that even as Washington and Tehran reach a ceasefire agreement, the US continues to deploy thousands of Marines to the Middle East.

At 4 a.m. on April 8, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi subsequently declared the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas shipments.

According to Reuters: "More than 50,000 US military personnel are currently stationed in the Middle East, and the US continues to reinforce its forces. US officials told Reuters that the deployment of thousands of Marines from San Diego to the region is still underway."

Previously, Politico reported that over 2,000 Marines had already departed from the San Diego base for the Middle East. Many experts believe this may be linked to US efforts to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a key maritime hub in the Persian Gulf and a site of Iran’s oil infrastructure.

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US Vice President Vance expressed optimism about negotiations with Iran on April 8, hoping Tehran will remain rational in upcoming talks.

Speaking to reporters before returning from Hungary, Vance said: "I think there are many risks involved: if what we want isn’t given, I believe everything could turn very bad. But I’m optimistic about the situation and believe Iranians will act rationally."

He emphasized that the US will demand Iran refrain from enriching uranium for nuclear weapons purposes during negotiations.

Vance added: "We’ll have to see what the Iranians are willing to give up, whether they’ll make good-faith efforts for the safety of American people and truly provide everything necessary for smooth negotiations."

US President Trump announced on the night of April 7 a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran. The Supreme National Security Council of Iran subsequently stated that the US has agreed to Iran’s 10 proposals, and Tehran will hold talks with the US in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, on April 10.

White House spokesperson Levitt previously stated on April 8 that Vance would lead the US delegation in the negotiations.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861955240015049/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author