United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday that negotiations with Iran were progressing well and voiced hope that a deal could soon end the ongoing conflict.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iran “wants to make a deal badly” and stressed that Tehran “cannot have nuclear weapons." He added that talks over the past 24 hours had been “very good”.

“I think it’s got a very good chance of ending,” Trump said, while warning that the US could resume heavy bombardment if negotiations fail. Later in a call with supporters, Trump added: “It’ll be over quickly.”

According to Al Jazeera, both sides remain divided over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

Reuters and Axios reported that Washington and Tehran were nearing a framework agreement that could include limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Iranian officials said Tehran was still reviewing the US proposal. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no formal response had yet been delivered, while Iranian lawmakers criticized parts of the proposal as unrealistic.

BOB Post