Trump: Iran a 'failed state,' only a 'good' deal acceptable

Only a "good" agreement will be accepted by the United States, President Donald Trump declared Tuesday, as he renewed sharp criticism of Iran, labeling the country a "failed state." Speaking before his departure to China, Trump stated that the blockade against Iran is effective, noting that Tehran had been receiving "a lot of money through the Strait of Hormuz."

"Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Anyone who allows them to is stupid," Trump said, according to his own phrasing. He also expressed his expectation that his upcoming trip to China would be "good," but ruled out needing Beijing's assistance on the Iranian file.

Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. president expressed confidence that Iran would halt uranium enrichment and abandon any pursuit of a nuclear weapon, despite the ongoing stalemate in negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Asked during a radio interview whether he believed Iran could be prevented from enriching uranium and developing a nuclear bomb, Trump replied, "100% they will stop."

"I'm dealing with them, and they said we'll get rid of the dust, and I call it nuclear dust because it's the right description, and we'll get rid of it," he added, according to his own phrasing. The American president also indicated that the United States is not compelled to rush into reaching an agreement.