President Trump is considering imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia contingent on a ceasefire with Ukraine. He has paused military aid to pressure Ukraine for peace negotiations. Additionally, he reached out to Iran proposing negotiations for a nuclear deal, revealing a desire for diplomatic resolution over military confrontation.
On Friday, President Donald Trump articulated his consideration of imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and a peace agreement with Ukraine are reached. This decision follows a critical meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, during which Trump paused military aid and intelligence sharing to exert pressure on Kyiv for a ceasefire. Trump stated, “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
Trump’s proposed measures come shortly after reports indicated that the White House was developing a strategy to possibly offer sanctions relief to Russia to foster diplomatic and economic relations as part of efforts to end the conflict. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the nation has been under extensive sanctions from the U.S. and allies, aimed at constraining its oil and gas revenues, including a cap on oil exports set at $60 per barrel.
In another significant development, Trump expressed his desire to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran, revealing that he sent a letter to its leadership encouraging discussions. He commented, “I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,” during an interview with Fox Business Network.
Although Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated they had not received the letter and that a response was yet to come due to the weekend, Trump affirmed he addressed the correspondence to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying, “There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran. They’re great people.”
In summary, President Trump has indicated he may impose additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a peace agreement regarding Ukraine materializes, amidst a backdrop of critical military and diplomatic strategies. Concurrently, he has also reached out to Iran’s leadership, advocating for negotiations concerning a nuclear deal. These recent actions reflect ongoing complex international relations and the U.S. administration’s evolving stance toward both Russia and Iran.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
