US President Donald Trump has indicated that the US could end its operation in Iran whether or not there is a deal with Tehran.
Trump spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He said: "I had one goal. They will have no nuclear weapon. And that goal has been attained." Asked whether he was ready to end the conflict, he replied that the US will leave Iran within two or three weeks.
Trump then said Iran does not have to make a deal with Washington, and that the US will exit when Tehran "won't be able to come up with a nuclear weapon."
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation on Tuesday with European Council President Antonio Costa.
According to the Iranian side, Pezeshkian stated that Iran never sought tension or war at any stage. The president also said "his country has the necessary will to end this war, provided that there is a guarantee to prevent a recurrence of aggression."
Also on the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to the Middle East satellite broadcaster Al Jazeera. Araghchi acknowledged that messages have been exchanged with the US. But he said a ceasefire alone was not acceptable and that Iran wanted an end to all attacks in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that Trump will address the nation about Iran at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Washington time.
