Trump warns Iran against resuming nuclear programme
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against resuming its nuclear weapons programme, a day after announcing that he was withdrawing the US from the landmark Iran nuclear deal.
“I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear programme,” Trump told reporters at the start of a Cabinet meeting when asked about the potential consequences. “I would advise them very strongly. If they do there will be very severe consequence.”
The comments came a day after Trump announced he was withdrawing the US from the accord with Iran, abruptly restoring harsh sanctions in the most consequential foreign policy action of his presidency.
He claimed the deal “was going to lead to nuclear proliferation all over the Middle East” and bragged the sanctions would be among the strongest “that we’ve ever put on a country.”
Trump also pointed to Iran’s actions in countries including Syria and Yemen.
“With all of the places they’re involved, it’s bedlam and death and we can’t allow that to happen,” he said. “They’ve gotta understand life. ‘Cause I don’t think they do understand life.”
Trump also left open the possibility of a new deal, and told reporters Wednesday: “We’ll make either a really good deal for the world or we’re not going to make a deal at all. He predicted Iran would choose to negotiate eventually, or face consequences.
Former president Barack Obama, who negotiated the deal, called Trump’s action “misguided”. He said: “The consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding America’s credibility and puts us at odds with the world’s major powers.”