Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Iran, stating that neither sanctions will be lifted nor frozen Iranian assets released before a formal peace agreement is reached between the two countries.

Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, Trump said negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran were “very close” to a breakthrough. However, he stressed that the United States was still seeking additional concessions from Iran before any final agreement could be concluded.

Trump stated that if a deal is reached, the United States and Iran would work together to eliminate Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. According to the US president, the material would either be destroyed on-site or transferred elsewhere for disposal.

“We will do it with them or without them, but we will be safe and there will be no firing at us,” Trump said during the interview.

At the same time, he warned that if negotiations fail, the United States would launch further military strikes aimed at destroying Iran’s military capabilities. He added that Washington would also take additional military measures to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities if necessary.

Trump claimed that the United States possesses advanced space-based surveillance systems capable of closely monitoring activities inside Iran.

The US president also said that approximately 50,000 American troops remain deployed in the region and will continue their mission until what he described as a “complete result” is achieved.

Discussing Iran’s leadership, Trump remarked that the current Iranian leadership is more “reasonable” and “pragmatic” than before and is actively involved in the negotiation process. He added that he is open to direct talks with Iran’s leadership, although no direct communication has taken place so far.

Referring to the nuclear agreement reached during former President Barack Obama’s administration, Trump said any new deal would differ significantly. He emphasized that Iranian assets would not be unfrozen immediately and that any such measures would only be considered at a later stage.

Trump further claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had suffered significant damage during the conflict, although he acknowledged that the country still possesses missiles and drones.

Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said Tehran remains firm on its demand that the United States return $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets as a key condition for ending the conflict, which has continued for the past three months.