Trump eyes ‘great deal’ with Iran, won’t extend ceasefire

US President Donald Trump said he expects the United States to secure a “great deal” with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, while making clear he does not intend to extend a ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, CNBC reported. Speaking in an interview with US media, Trump expressed confidence in the outcome of negotiations, saying, “We’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice. .. We’re in a very, very strong negotiating position, ” Trump told CNBC. He reiterated US military gains, stating, “We’ve taken out their navy, we’ve taken out their air force, we’ve taken out their leaders, ” and described the situation as effectively resulting in regime change. “It is regime change, no matter what you want to call it, ” he said, adding that past US administrations should have acted “47 years ago. ” Trump also signalled that pressure on Iran would continue until a final agreement is reached. “We will not lift the blockade until a final deal is done, ” he said, stressing that Tehran “will have to talk. ” Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump ruled out extending the current truce. “I don’t want to do that, ” he said when asked about prolonging the ceasefire. He suggested that a deal could ultimately strengthen Iran, noting that an agreement would allow the country to become “a strong nation again. ” President Trump said US forces intercepted a ship carrying a “gift” to Iran from China as Tehran tries to restock its military during a ceasefire period. The ship had “a gift from China” which “wasn’t very nice, ” Trump told CNBC. “I was a little surprised, ” he added, saying he thought he had an “understanding” with China’s President Xi Jinping. A week ago, Trump announced that Xi had assured him there would be no Chinese weapons deliveries to Iran, a close partner with Beijing for years. Trump warned that military action could resume if talks fail, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire and uncertainty surrounding efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

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