US President Donald Trump delivered sharply conflicting messages on Iran in two separate appearances on the same day. During the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump declared the Iran deal dead and launched a blistering personal attack. Hours later in the Oval Office, however, he struck an optimistic tone about ongoing negotiations and suggested an agreement could be imminent.
Harsh words at NATO summit
Speaking to reporters ahead of the 36th NATO Summit at Turkey's Presidential Complex, Trump left no room for ambiguity. "(The Iran deal) is over for me. I don't want to make a deal with them anymore," he said. He branded Iran's leadership "lowlifes," "sick people," and "ruthless, violent people," adding that if they had a nuclear weapon they would use it. "As far as I'm concerned, it's over," he stated. Trump also said dealing with Iran was a waste of time because they are "liars."
He boasted about a recent US strike, claiming it was "about 20 times harder" and warned, "I told them, 'Every time you hit us, we'll hit back.'" Referencing the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Trump called him "a bad guy but a diabolical genius" and claimed Iran wants him dead. "I'm on every one of their lists. I've been lucky so far, but it might not last," he said.
Optimistic tone in Oval Office
Yet during an executive order signing ceremony at the White House, Trump painted a different picture. He said negotiations with Iran were progressing well and hinted that a deal could be near. "I think things are going very well. I'm involved in the negotiations. We're doing really well. It could happen soon," he remarked. He discussed the strategic Hormuz Strait, stating that while the US controls the waterway, Iran could still fire on ships or deploy mines. Trump also commented on Russia-Ukraine, claiming the Biden administration had sent too many weapons to Ukraine and that some could be taken back if needed.
