U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, says he is optimistic about ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Schmitt told Missourinet that there is a real opportunity for a deal, pointing to what he described as clear objectives from President Donald Trump.
“He’s been clear that Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Schmitt said. “That’s really the crux of where they’re at right now. The president will drive for a good deal. He’s not going to sign on to a bad deal, and we’ll see how that plays out over the next several days.”
The conflict began February 28. To allow negotiations, intermittent ceasefires began April 8.
As talks continue, Schmitt said several issues remain unresolved, including how to ensure Iran does not move forward with a nuclear weapons program.
“Many things are already kind of agreed to, but there are still discussions about how to ensure they’re not moving forward with a nuclear weapon,” Schmitt said. “That’s probably the crux of the issue right now.”
Schmitt also said he expects Trump to hold firm to U.S. interests in the negotiations.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell, D-Mo. 1st District, has pushed back on the strikes, saying the president entered what he called an undefined war without a clear strategy.
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