US President Donald Trump said the next phase of negotiations with Iran is expected to be easier than the first round of talks that led to the recently announced Memorandum of Understanding, while he attempted to calm concerns about possible US funding to Tehran.
Speaking during his meeting with the emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump argued that the next talks would be less difficult than those that came before.
"We are moving into a second stage, which I believe will actually be easier," he said characteristically.
According to US officials, the next phase of negotiations will focus on technical issues related to Iran's nuclear program, as well as on the framework for economic relief for Tehran. Also on the table are details on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical sea route for global energy trade.
The US president also insisted that the United States will not provide its own funds to Iran, attempting to limit the reactions that have been expressed by some of his political allies.
"We are not going to invest money in Iran," Trump stressed.
These statements come after discussions on the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, which could contribute to the reconstruction of the Iranian economy if there is a final agreement on the nuclear program and the commitments set out in the Memorandum of Understanding are met.
Officials involved in the talks have clarified that the fund will not be financed by the United States, but by Gulf states, which are expected to play a significant role in financially supporting Iran's post-war recovery if the deal goes through.
Source: protothema.gr
