President Trump said Wednesday a pending deal with Iran will bring peace, forestall Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and avoid the “economic catastrophe” that would have unfolded if bombs kept falling in perpetuity.
Mr. Trump rattled off potential benefits as the world got its first glimpse at leaked versions of the first-stage deal that ends hostilities in the Middle East and gives both sides 60 days to make a final deal.
The president said he achieved “everything, and much more” in the memorandum of understanding, and that it could be signed as soon as Thursday — ahead of a planned Friday signing.
Mr. Trump said he was impressed by the Iranian leaders who negotiated the deal.
“Actually, I think they’re smart. I think they’re very smart. I think they’re far less radicalized,” he said at a concluding press conference at the Group of Seven summit in France. “I think they’re going to behave much differently.”
Mr. Trump pointed to rising stocks on Wall Street in the wake of the tentative peace settlement, which lifts a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and reopens the Strait of Hormuz over a 30-day period.
The administration announced the deal on Sunday after months of fighting in the Middle East.
Various media outlets published leaked versions of the memorandum of understanding.
The White House has not released the official version, with Vice President J.D. Vance suggesting Middle East partners, such as Qatar and Pakistan, requested a delay before the Friday signing.
Mr. Trump said he expects both sides to reach a positive deal in the second phase of negotiations.
He also said the first-stage deal could change, but he’s ready to resume bombing if the agreement falls apart.
“I think it’ll be done. They want to sign,” Mr. Trump said. “They want to get back to a normal life.”
A version of the deal says the war must end “on all fronts,” including Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists.
“I want Israel to be able to protect itself,” Mr. Trump said. “But I do want them to use good judgment.”
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