U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not rush an agreement in talks to end the conflict with Iran. As reports continue that the United States and Iran are close to signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), he said he would maintain the blockade against Iran until a final deal is reached.
On the 24th (local time), Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, "Talks are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner," adding, "I have instructed the delegation not to rush an agreement. Time is on our side."
He said, "Until an agreement is reached and verification and signing are completed, the blockade will remain fully in effect." It is seen as signaling that, while maintaining pressure on Iran, he will not be dragged by the pace of negotiations.
Trump also called for caution in the negotiating process. He said, "Both sides should not rush and should take the time to produce a proper agreement," adding, "There must not be any mistakes." However, there were also remarks from the U.S. side that hinted at the possibility of an early agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently visiting India, told reporters, "There is a possibility the world will hear good news in the next few hours."
Trump maintained his existing position on Iran's nuclear issue. He said, "Iran and we are developing a much more professional and productive relationship," but added, "Iran must understand that it cannot develop or acquire nuclear weapons or a nuclear bomb."
Trump also criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) signed during the Barack Obama administration. He said, "One of the worst agreements the United States ever entered into was the Iran nuclear deal," calling it an agreement "proposed, signed, and concluded by Barack Hussein Obama and the incompetent amateurs of the Obama administration." Trump has used the phrase "Barack Hussein Obama" when criticizing the former president.
He argued that the agreement at the time "was practically a shortcut that allowed Iran to develop nuclear weapons." He added, "The transaction that the Trump administration is currently negotiating with Iran is nothing like that," saying it is "the exact opposite."
These comments came amid a flurry of reports that the United States and Iran are nearing an MOU to end the conflict. While acknowledging progress in the talks, Trump also underscored that he would not concede on the nuclear issue and would maintain the blockade against Iran.
He also sent a message to Middle Eastern countries. Trump said, "I am grateful to all the countries in the Middle East that have provided support and cooperation so far," adding, "This support and cooperation will be further strengthened and enhanced as more countries join the historic Abraham Accords."
The Abraham Accords are agreements concluded during Trump's first administration to normalize relations between Israel and certain Arab states. Trump has pushed to expand the accords to Arab countries. He added, "Perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran may also want to participate."
Earlier, Trump also posted on Truth Social the Spanish word meaning farewell, "Adios," along with an image of U.S. bombers bombing Iranian vessels at sea. As end-of-war talks enter their final stage, this could be interpreted as a signal that he will continue military pressure on Iran.