World War 3: Trump issues stark warning to Iran over nuke programme
Speaking to reporters during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit this afternoon, Mr Trump also blasted the nuclear accord with Iran as “insane”. The US leader has previously threatened to tear up the deal, which curbs Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for a stay on economic sanctions. Tehran has vowed to ramp up its nuclear programme if the agreement collapses. The accord is effectively on life support until May 12, when a decision will need to be taken whether to extend or cancel it.
AFP/GETTY IMAGES Donald Trump has threatened Iran over its nuclear programme
Mr Macron, along with Theresa May and Angela Merkel, has urged the US to honour its commitment to the deal. But Donald Trump has hit out at what he describes as the pact’s “terrible flaws”. The commander-in-chief has insisted the deal goes too easy on Iran at a time when Tehran is continuing to pursue more powerful ballistic missiles as well as stoking tensions in the Middle East, including the civil wars in Syria and Yemen. Speaking today, he described the accord as “insane”, adding it was “a terrible deal that should have never been made”
REUTERS Donald Trump discussed the Iran nuclear deal with Emmanuel Macron
But after meeting with the French leader, Mr Trump signalled the Iran deal could survive. He said: "I think we really had some substantive talks on Iran. And we're looking forward to doing something.” "We could have at least an agreement among ourselves very quickly. I think we're fairly close to understanding each other." Emmanuel Macron traveled to Washington in the hope of convincing his US counterpart to stick with the Iran deal, despite its flaws.
REUTERS Emmanuel Macron hoped to convince Donald Trump into honouring the US commitment in the Iran deal