Trump: US and Iran 'nearing a deal' after recent progress

n n

File image.

n

US President Donald Trump told CBS in a phone interview on Saturday that the United States and Iran are “getting a lot closer” to an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.

n

But in the interview with the TV network, Trump also warned that if the US and Iran do not come to an agreement, “we’re going to have a situation where no country will ever be hit as hard as they’re about to be hit.”

n

Meanwhile, Iran said Saturday that it was finalizing a 14-point “framework agreement” for a deal with the US, but signalled that major gaps still remain.

n

The US president struck a less upbeat tone in another Saturday morning interview with news website Axios, saying that it was a “solid 50/50” chance of a deal being struck.

n

Trump warned he would “blow them to kingdom come” if a deal wasn’t reached, Axios reported.

n

Both outlets also reported that Trump was scheduled to speak with Gulf leaders by phone later today.

n

On a visit in India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “there may be some news a little later today,” but added, “there may not be.”

n

Axios said Trump is also expected to meet Saturday with Vice President JD Vance, as well as negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

n

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in Iran this week hoping to bring the two sides closer to agreement.

n

Reports on Friday suggested that Trump was considering a fresh round of strikes on Iran, as the conflict between the two countries entered its 13th week.

n

Trump abruptly announced on Friday that he would be skipping his son’s wedding this weekend due to “circumstances pertaining to government.”

n n