Washington: US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended ongoing negotiations with Iran, sharply criticising the 2015 Obama-era nuclear agreement and saying the current talks aim to ensure Tehran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the 2015 Iran nuclear deal “one of the worst deals ever made by our Country,” arguing it created a pathway for Iran to develop nuclear capabilities.

“Exact Opposite” of 2015 Nuclear Deal

Trump said the current negotiations under his administration are fundamentally different from the previous agreement.

“Not so with the transaction currently being negotiated with Iran by the Trump Administration — THE EXACT OPPOSITE, in fact!” he wrote.

He said the goal of the present talks is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through stronger and more enforceable safeguards.

Negotiations with Regional Support

The US President said broader diplomatic engagement involving several Middle Eastern countries is also progressing, following discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain.

He added that negotiations are being conducted in a “careful and orderly manner,” stressing there is no urgency to conclude a deal prematurely.

No Rush, Continued Pressure on Iran

Trump said he has instructed his representatives not to rush the process, adding that “time is on our side.”

He also indicated that pressure on Iran will continue until a formal agreement is finalised and signed.

“The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached,” he wrote.

Regional Outlook and Abraham Accords

Trump also linked the ongoing talks to broader Middle East diplomacy, including the Abraham Accords, and thanked regional countries for their cooperation.

He suggested that Iran could eventually join wider regional frameworks, calling for continued engagement and stability in the region.