US President Donald Trump stated that he sent a letter to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to negotiate a deal. Trump also did not shy away from threatening military intervention against Iran. Iran’s response to Trump was that “No negotiations until the maximum pressure policy is lifted.”

Speaking to Fox Business Network, Trump mentioned that he sent a letter to Iran’s leader Khamenei yesterday, emphasizing his preference for reaching a deal with Iran regarding their nuclear program. Trump said, “I wrote them a letter saying, ‘I hope you negotiate because if we have to come in militarily, it’s going to be a horrible thing.'” He noted his preference for negotiating a deal, saying, “I’m not sure everyone agrees with me, but even if you win militarily, we can make a deal that’s equally good.”

“BAD FOR IRAN IF THEY DON’T NEGOTIATE” Trump added, “But the time is coming now. Something will happen one way or the other. If Iran doesn’t negotiate, it’s going to be bad for them. The other alternative is we have to do something because you can’t let them have nuclear weapons. There are other options.” The White House confirmed that Trump sent a letter for nuclear deal negotiations, with the full interview shot yesterday set to air on Sunday. President Trump had previously stated that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, expressing a preference for a nuclear deal that would enable Iran’s growth and development. Trump emphasized the need to start working on the deal immediately, saying, “Once the deal is signed and completed, we should have a big celebration in the Middle East. God bless the Middle East.”

“MAXIMUM PRESSURE” POLICY REEMERGING At the signing ceremony in the White House, Trump signed a presidential decree reenacting the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran, mentioning that he wasn’t happy about the decision but had to be “tough on Iran.” Trump argued that Iran should never possess nuclear weapons during his presidency, stating that they would see if a deal with Iran is possible and do whatever is necessary.