A local outlet reported that U.S. President Donald Trump would decide by the 24th whether to resume airstrikes on Iran.
According to the U.S. online outlet Axios on the 23rd (local time), in a phone call with a reporter from the outlet, President Trump said, "The chances are a definite 50-50 that we either make a good deal or 'blow them to kingdom come.'"
Axios then reported that "President Trump said he would decide by Sunday (the 24th) whether to resume airstrikes against Iran."
Trump said, "One of two things will happen. I will hit them harder than ever before, or we will strike a good deal," adding, "Some people want a deal much more, and others want to resume the war."
However, in a phone interview with U.S. broadcaster CBS, Trump said of the possibility of a peace deal with Iran, "We are getting quite close. It's getting better by the day."
He said, "I believe the final agreement will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," adding, "If not, I wouldn't even be discussing this." He also said, "I will sign only a deal that gets us everything we want."
Trump also said that if the talks fail to reach a deal, "No country will be hit as hard as what Iran is about to go through." It was effectively a warning that, if negotiations fall through, the United States will carry out very strong airstrikes on Iran.