Matthew Whitaker Defends Trump’s Decision to Reject Iran Deal

WASHINGTON: US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has backed President Donald Trump’s decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal, saying Tehran is under significant economic pressure and wants to reach a deal with Washington.

Speaking on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show, Whitaker said US sanctions and the naval blockade had placed considerable pressure on Iran’s economy. He pointed to the weakness of Iran’s currency and high inflation as factors he said were driving Tehran’s efforts to reach an agreement.

Whitaker said the US position remains that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and must abandon its nuclear program.

He also criticized what he described as “half measures” and proposals that he said were intended to improve Iran’s position internationally rather than address Washington’s concerns. Whitaker said Trump was justified in rejecting such proposals.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Whitaker said the United States was in “total control” of the strategic waterway. Whitaker claimed that Iranian vessels were being barred from passing through the strait, while other commercial ships were still allowed to operate.

His comments came during intensified tightness between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and the deliberately significant Strait of Hormuz.