Trump: "Not in a hurry" for Iran negotiations... "Want a great deal"

President Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 23rd (local time) regarding the end-of-war and denuclearization negotiations with Iran, "I don't want to rush," expressing his determination to achieve the agreement conditions desired by the U.S., even if it takes time.

President Trump said this at an event related to 'Healthcare Cost Reduction' held at the White House on this day, adding, "I want to take my time. We have plenty of time."

He continued, "I want a great deal," and "I want a deal that makes our country and the world safe from nuclear-armed madmen."

He also said, "I want something permanent. I want them not to have (nuclear weapons), and not even have the opportunity to have them."

President Trump's remarks are interpreted as a highly sophisticated psychological warfare tactic against Iran, given that they come amidst rising oil prices, which significantly influence U.S. voters' sentiment ahead of the November midterm elections, and an unyielding public opinion on war.

This could be part of a psychological strategy to increase pressure on Iran, by emphasizing that there is no reason to rush negotiations against Iran, which might believe the battle against time is in its favor due to the political and economic burden of a prolonged war that President Trump would feel, while also sending a message that Iran's burden will increase if the agreement is delayed.

Ships anchored and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz

Regarding the naval blockade targeting Iran, President Trump said, "We have a 100% effective blockade," and "They are not doing well financially or economically and cannot do any business because of the blockade."

He then said, "Iran wants a deal," and "We have been talking with them, but they don't even know who is leading the country right now. They are in chaos."

This reiterated his previous assertion that the Iranian leadership is divided into hardliners and moderates and has not yet reached a unified position.

President Trump said that Iran might have replenished some of its air defense equipment during the two-week truce, adding, "Even if they did, we can eliminate it in a day."

When asked if he intended to use nuclear weapons against Iran, President Trump replied, "No," and said, "Why would I use nuclear weapons when we've already completely devastated them with conventional means without nuclear weapons?"

He further emphasized, "I will not use nuclear weapons. No one should ever use nuclear weapons."

On the 7th, President Trump stated on social media Truth Social, targeting Iran, that "Tonight an entire civilization will disappear and never return," leading some to speculate that he might have been considering the possibility of using nuclear weapons.

His remarks today are interpreted as a clear statement that he has no intention of using nuclear weapons against Iran.

Regarding the resignation of U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan the previous day, President Trump said, "I really liked him," but also added, "There were some clashes with others, mainly over the issue of building and purchasing new ships."

Meanwhile, President Trump announced that he had signed an agreement with global pharmaceutical company Regeneron to lower drug prices in the U.S. to most-favored-nation levels.

Previously, President Trump had pressured pharmaceutical companies to lower prices of key medicines sold in the U.S. by threatening to impose tariffs if they did not reduce drug prices. So far, 17 pharmaceutical companies have participated in lowering drug prices.