WANA (Feb 05) – U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to hold talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, responding positively to a reporter’s question on the matter. “I am ready to talk with the Iranian president,” Trump said.

 

His remarks came on Tuesday night after signing a presidential memorandum aimed at reviving the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran. Trump signed the directive to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to curb its oil exports.

 

Tough Measures, Uncertain Outcomes

Trump acknowledged hesitancy in signing the memorandum but described it as “very strict.” “I hope we won’t have to use this maximum pressure too often. We’ll see if we can reach a deal with Iran,” he said.

 

He also escalated tensions by warning, “If Iran retaliates and tries to kill me, we will destroy them.” His comments follow persistent reports—consistently denied by both U.S. and Iranian officials—about alleged Iranian plots to assassinate him.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Program

Trump reiterated concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, claiming, “Iran is very close to having a nuclear weapon.” He also asserted that the U.S. has the right to prevent Iran from selling oil to other countries.

 

“Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon,” Trump emphasized multiple times, reinforcing Washington’s long-standing position.

 

When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu potentially urging an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump responded, “I don’t know what he will ask for. We will have a long meeting and discuss many issues. I can’t talk about it now.”

 

Despite his hardline stance, Trump suggested he was open to diplomatic engagement. “I want to have good relations with all countries, but they must not have nuclear weapons,” he stated. He also acknowledged that some Iranian officials had declared they were not seeking nuclear weapons.

 

“I want every country to prosper, and I want peace in the Middle East,” Trump added, highlighting recent discussions on the war in Ukraine.

 

Addressing media speculation on Iran’s strength, Trump dismissed the idea that Iran is weak. “Iran is not weak. Iran is a very strong country. But we will not allow them to obtain nuclear weapons,” he insisted.