Trump says dispute with Iran over nuclear program 'almost an easy one' to resolve

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump downplayed Monday the difficulties in negotiations with Iran over the country's nuclear program, saying the ongoing talks are almost "easy."

Trump told reporters that he will broker a resolution to the long-standing issue, describing it as "almost an easy one" to resolve. Still, he complained that the next meeting with Iran is not scheduled until next Saturday, which he described as a "long time" following the conclusion of this weekend's talks in Oman, while accusing Tehran of purposefully drawing out the talks.

"I think they're tapping us along because they were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country," he told reporters in the Oval Office as he hosted Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.

"I want them to be a rich, great nation. The only thing is one thing, simple. It's really simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon, and they got to go fast, because they're fairly close to having one, and they're not going to have one, and if we have to do something very harsh we'll do it," he added.

Asked if his threat includes potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump said: "Of course it does."

The White House said Saturday shortly after the initial round of talks concluded that they were "very positive and constructive,” adding that the US and Iranian teams agreed to meet again Saturday.

"Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome," the White House said in a statement.

It was referring to Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.