MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- US President Donald Trump said he was willing to make a deal with Iran instead of conducting military operations against it, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
"I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bomb the hell out of it," Trump told The New York Post in an interview on board the presidential flight Air Force One on Friday.
However, the president refused to disclose details of possible talks with Iran.
"I can’t say that because it’s too nasty. I won’t bomb them," Trump said when asked what he could offer Iran in return.
On February 5, Trump said he would prefer a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Iran that will allow Tehran to develop peacefully, adding that the relevant work needs to start now.
In 2015, the UK, Germany, China, Russia, the US, France and Iran concluded a nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Under Trump's previous presidency, the US withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions on Tehran. In response, Iran announced a gradual reduction in its commitments under the deal, including restrictions on nuclear research and uranium enrichment levels.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier the US needs to increase pressure on Iran in connection with Tehran's alleged attempts to create nuclear weapons.
--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
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