President Donald Trump declared that any agreement ending hostilities between the United States and Iran would include the removal and destruction of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, emphasizing that Washington will ensure the material is eliminated regardless of Tehran’s level of cooperation.

Speaking during an appearance on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Trump said that if relations improve through a negotiated settlement, the two countries could jointly oversee the dismantling of Iran’s uranium reserves.

“If we make a deal that now we’re friendly, we’ll all go together. It’ll be our equipment. We’ll take it out and destroy it,” Trump told NBC News’s Meet the Press. He added that the material could be destroyed either on-site or after being removed.

The President made clear, however, that the uranium would be dealt with even if Iran refused to participate in the process.

“And we will go with them, or without them. But we won’t have people shooting at us,” he said. “Now, if we don’t make a deal, then we’re going to take them out militarily very harshly.”

Trump indicated that negotiations have made substantial progress and suggested that the two sides are nearing a final understanding. Nonetheless, he said he remains focused on tightening the language of the agreement to ensure Iran is permanently barred from obtaining nuclear weapons.

According to Trump, Iranian officials have already agreed that they will not possess nuclear arms. He said his concern centered on broadening the restrictions to cover every possible avenue by which Iran might seek to acquire such capabilities.

“I want to put the word, if they buy, purchase, or acquire,” Trump said. “They don’t have the right to develop or purchase, acquire or buy.”

Trump noted that Iranian negotiators were initially reluctant to accept those additional provisions but ultimately agreed to the expanded wording.

The President also highlighted the extensive surveillance capabilities available to the United States, saying Washington is fully capable of monitoring Iran’s nuclear facilities through sophisticated technology.

“You know, we have cameras on it, all over it,” he said. “These are cameras up in space. It’s pretty amazing technology.”

Addressing the American military presence in the region, Trump said U.S. forces would remain in place for the foreseeable future. He argued that now is not the time for a withdrawal and expressed confidence that current conditions do not place American troops in immediate danger.

“I would say it would be foolhardy” to withdraw them now, Trump said, adding that troops would remain “until such time as we have a completion.”

Asked about Iran’s new leadership following recent upheaval in the country, Trump said he views the current regime as more pragmatic than its predecessor and would be open to direct communication with the nation’s supreme leader.

“I would if he’d like to,” Trump said. “But I have not spoken to him directly.”

Trump further stated that Iran should not expect immediate access to frozen assets as part of any future agreement. He said financial concessions would come only after Iran demonstrates compliance and responsible conduct.

“That comes after,” he said. “Yeah, if they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking.”

While discussing the broader confrontation between the two countries, Trump argued that military actions have significantly reduced Iran’s capabilities. Nevertheless, he stressed that the overriding objective of American policy remains preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“The main thing is we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “Can’t do it. And we won’t do it.”

{Matzav.com}