In a post on Truth Social, Trump drew a comparison between the current negotiations and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal established under former President Barack Obama, labeling it as “one of the worst deals ever made by our Country” that, in his view, facilitated Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The negotiations are advancing in a structured and constructive way, and I’ve instructed my representatives not to rush into a deal, as time is on our side,” Trump stated. “The Blockade will remain fully in effect until an agreement is reached, verified, and signed. Both parties must take their time to ensure accuracy. Mistakes are not an option!”
Trump emphasized that Iran cannot be permitted to develop or obtain nuclear weapons, while also noting the improving relations between Washington and Tehran, as well as the potential for wider regional cooperation, including an expansion of the Abraham Accords.
Earlier, Trump mentioned that a deal connected to the situation in West Asia, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has been “largely negotiated” after talks with Israel and regional partners over the weekend.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently on a four-day trip to India, stated in a press briefing in New Delhi that “significant progress, though not final, has been made” in the negotiations.
Financial markets reacted favorably to indications of reduced geopolitical tensions. Wall Street closed higher on Friday as Treasury yields moderated, wrapping up a volatile yet positive week for US equities.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 294.04 points, or 0.58%, closing at 50,579.70 after hitting an intraday record high. The S&P 500 rose 0.37% to finish at 7,473.47, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.19% to conclude at 26,343.97.
Oil prices settled slightly higher but fell back from the sharp peaks experienced earlier in the week as traders became optimistic about a potential resolution to the Iran conflict. The international benchmark Brent crude increased by 0.9% to settle at $103.54 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 0.3% to close at $96.60.
Meanwhile, US Treasury yields dipped, reflecting a more positive risk sentiment. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield decreased by nearly three basis points to around 4.56%, while the 30-year bond yield dropped more than four basis points to trade near 5.06% by Friday afternoon.
—With inputs from agencies
