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| 2026-04-21 02:42:20
Trump-Iran talks
Trump says Iran can have 'great and prosperous' future if its new leaders are smart
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, April 20 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran can have a "great and prosperous" future if new Iranian leaders are smart, as he ratcheted up pressure on the Islamic Republic to agree to a peace deal.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post, a day after he said that U.S. negotiators will be in Pakistan on Monday for a new round of peace talks with Iran despite renewed tensions over the United States' seizure of an Iranian cargo ship and Iran's vow to retaliate.
"Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn't like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing," he wrote on Truth Social. "And if Iran's new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!"
He was referring to a U.S. military operation in January that led to the capture of then Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro for criminal charges, including narco-terrorism.
In the post, Trump argued that Israel never talked him into the war with Iran.
"The results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did," he said.
"I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged."
It remains uncertain whether the second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran can take place as Iran has yet to clarify whether it will send a delegation. Iran's foreign ministry reportedly said Monday that there were no plans at the moment for additional negotiations with the U.S.
If talks resume, Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead a U.S. delegation, which will include Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
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