Washington: US President Donald Trump has claimed that he agreed to a ceasefire with Iran following intervention by Pakistan, adding that no further bombing of the Gulf nation would take place.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran had reportedly begun on February 28 and was halted from April 8 with Pakistan’s assistance.
Speaking to reporters while returning from China, Trump said he took the decision after appeals from another country. He also praised Pakistan’s leadership, describing the country’s Prime Minister and Field Marshal as “very fine personalities”.
Trump reiterated that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons “at any cost”. He said recovering Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remained one of his top priorities.
According to Trump, Iranian negotiators had acknowledged that American strikes caused major damage to their nuclear facilities and that Iran currently lacks the technology required to fully restore them.
The US President also said that the Chinese leadership supports reopening the Strait of Hormuz for international trade, amid growing concerns over disruptions in global oil supply routes.
Trump further appealed for peace and stability in the region while warning against any further escalation in West Asia.
