Trump Reports Successful Weekend Talks on Iran’s Nuclear Program

• President Trump hints at a positive development regarding the Iran deal.
• US President agrees to extend EU tariffs deadline to July 9.
• Trump indicates potential for increased sanctions due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

MORRISTOWN: President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that US negotiators had “very good” discussions with an Iranian delegation over the weekend as part of efforts to stop Tehran from advancing its nuclear weapon capabilities.

“I believe we might have some positive news on the Iran situation,” Trump told reporters at Morristown Airport in New Jersey before heading back to Washington after spending the weekend at his Bedminster golf club.

He noted that substantial progress had been made, though specific details about the talks held in Rome between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the Iranian representatives were not provided.

“I can’t guarantee what I’ll be sharing in the next couple of days, but I have a good feeling,” he remarked.

Trump delays EU tariffs to July 9

On Sunday, Trump softened his previous threat to impose a 50% tariff on imports from the European Union by agreeing to extend the deadline for discussions until July 9.

Initially, Trump had announced on Friday that he was advising the implementation of a 50% tariff starting June 1 due to dissatisfaction with the slow pace of negotiations with the EU. This announcement unsettled global financial markets and intensified an ongoing trade conflict characterized by frequently shifting tariff policies with the US’s trade partners and allies.

After a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who requested additional time to reach an agreement, Trump decided to postpone the tariffs. He conveyed that they had a “very cordial call” and that he agreed to the delay.

“We had a very pleasant discussion, and I agreed to extend it,” Trump stated as he prepared to leave New Jersey. “She mentioned they would move quickly to see if we can work something out.”

Von der Leyen later tweeted about their “good call” and emphasized that the EU was ready to advance negotiations decisively, noting that time until July 9 was necessary for a successful agreement.

Following the announcement of the delay, both the euro and the US dollar saw gains against the traditionally stronger yen and Swiss franc.

Earlier in April, Trump had set a 90-day time frame for trade negotiations between the EU and the US, which was set to conclude on July 9. However, he changed his stance on Friday, expressing disinterest in a deal at all.

“I’m not looking for a deal,” he stated, mentioning that the tariffs were already set at 50%. Following this, US stock indices and European markets experienced declines, and the dollar weakened as a result.

Trump’s trade policies aim to reshape global economic relations, but after previous announcements regarding tariffs caused market instability, he has since backtracked towards focusing on negotiations. The US has successfully finalized agreements with Britain and engaged in discussions with China.

However, progress with the EU has proven more challenging, contributing to rising tensions between the two allies regarding Trump’s “America first” agenda and Europe’s dependence on Washington for security and defense matters.

Trump expresses frustration over Russia’s actions in Ukraine

Expressing significant discontent, Trump condemned Russia’s recent bombing campaign in Ukraine, specifically targeting President Vladimir Putin: “I’m not happy with Putin,” he stated.

“What on earth has gotten into him? He’s causing so much destruction and loss of life, and I cannot support that,” Trump said while at the Morristown airport.

This statement followed a major Russian assault involving 367 drones and missiles hitting Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Trump has consistently urged both sides to negotiate a ceasefire to end the protracted conflict in Ukraine and had a significant conversation with Putin last week.

He even mentioned the possibility of imposing further sanctions on Russia given its ongoing military actions.

“I have always managed to maintain a good rapport with him, but sending missiles into urban areas and taking lives is unacceptable,” Trump remarked.