Trump adjusts Iran war aims in ceasefire talks
6 reported1 unconfirmed
According to a CBS News report, President Trump has shifted his stated goals for the war with Iran since the conflict began in late February. Initially, he called for destroying Iran's missiles, preventing nuclear rebuilding, and encouraging Iranians to take over the government. Now, as a ceasefire memorandum of understanding has been signed to extend the truce and start nuclear talks, Trump has said it is "OK" for Iran to keep some ballistic missiles, is not in a hurry to recover enriched uranium, and is not seeking regime change. The president also praised Iran's current leadership as "very rational people" during a G7 summit event. The memorandum leaves most specifics on Iran's nuclear program to be determined in additional negotiations over the next 60 days.
What’s reported
Trump said on Feb. 28 the U.S. would "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."
On June 17, Trump said it is "OK" for Iran to keep some ballistic missiles, noting other countries in the region have them.
Trump said on April 17 the U.S. would get "all nuclear dust" from bombed uranium stockpiles, but on June 16 said "there's no rush at all."
The memorandum of understanding leaves the disposition of enriched material and enrichment issues for talks over the next 60 days.
Trump said on June 16, "You talk about regime change. I never cared about regime change."
The memorandum states the U.S. will lift "all types of sanctions" on an agreed schedule as part of a final deal.
Open questions
What specific terms will be agreed upon in the 60-day negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and sanctions relief.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Vice President JD Vance
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (mentioned as Supreme Leader of Iran)
Sources: CBS News
