Korean Media: Trump: Talks with Iran Possible This Weekend, Extend Truce if Necessary
On the 16th, according to U.S. President Donald Trump, a second round of final ceasefire negotiations with Iran could take place this weekend. On that day, he met with journalists at the White House and, when asked about the second round of talks, said: "Possibly over the weekend." On the 11th, the United States and Iran held marathon negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, lasting for 21 hours, but failed to reach an agreement. However, as Israel and Lebanon's regular forces agreed to a truce on the same day, pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah also stated: "If Israel stops attacks, we will abide by the truce," suggesting both sides are "gathering strength."
On that day, Trump said: "Iran is now willing to do things it previously avoided." He argued: "Iran has committed not to possess nuclear weapons," adding that "this commitment lasts far beyond 20 years, and Iran has agreed to return related nuclear materials to the United States." The central point of contention in the negotiations has been Iran's abandonment of its nuclear development program and halting uranium enrichment. If Trump’s claims are accurate, it suggests the gap between both sides on core issues has narrowed. Reports also indicate that the U.S. demands Iran "suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years"—a statement that may be intended to counter those reports. Trump said: "If the final agreement is signed in Islamabad, Pakistan, I might personally go there."
The two-week temporary truce between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire on the 21st. Trump said he is uncertain whether it should be extended, stating: "Iran wants to reach an agreement, and we are very friendly toward them." When repeatedly asked whether he intended to extend the truce, he replied: "Can't say for sure—depends on how events unfold," and "if necessary, we will do so." In the morning of that day, he posted on "Truth Social" that after a phone call between Israeli and Lebanese leaders, they decided to begin a 10-day truce starting at 5 p.m. on the 16th (6 a.m. on the 17th, Korean time). He stated that the truce between the two countries "also includes Hezbollah," and added that he would invite Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House for talks within two weeks at the earliest.
Additionally, Trump took to social media that day to criticize the American-born Pope Leo XIV, who opposes military action against Iran. He said: "If the Pope allows Iran to have nuclear weapons, I would strongly disagree." He continued: "If Iran possesses nuclear weapons, the entire world will be in danger, and the Middle East will cease to exist. The Pope must understand that Iran has killed 42,000 (its own people) in recent months." He further emphasized: "The Pope must realize that this is the [true world]," and "Iran absolutely must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." Pope Leo XIV has consistently avoided directly criticizing Trump, but regarding the situation in Iran, he criticized: "The delusion of omnipotence is inciting war."
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862681249661964/
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