President Donald Trump called for a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Iran on Wednesday, even as his administration moved to tighten sanctions against Tehran.
Trump dismissed reports that the US and Israel were preparing military action against Iran as misleading in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.
"I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed. God Bless the Middle East!" Trump wrote on the platform, Financial Times reported.
"I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon. Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens," ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED," Trump wrote.
The statement came as Trump issued an executive order Tuesday signaling a return to "maximum pressure" sanctions aimed at compelling Tehran to address nuclear concerns. The order directs US agencies to conduct a "robust and continual campaign" to eliminate Iran's oil exports, including sales to China, Financial Times reported.
Iran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful civilian purposes, though it has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
