Florida Gov. DeSantis warns against ‘hazardous’ deal with Iran

Florida Gov. DeSantis warns against ‘hazardous’ deal with Iran

Vered Weiss

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis strongly criticized the Trump administration’s nuclear negotiations with Iran, calling them “hazardous.”

In an interview with radio host Mark Levin, DeSantis said that Iran is not involved in the talks in good faith, and he urged the Trump administration to develop a zero-tolerance policy for allowing Iran to enrich uranium.

“They cannot be allowed to enrich uranium, period. End of story,” DeSantis said.

“They are a militant Islamic government. Their view of mutual destruction with nuclear weapons is actually something they think would be fine because they think they’re all going to go to heaven in paradise if that happens,” he added.

DeSantis made those remarks at the same time that Trump was warning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike Iran while the negotiations were in progress.

Although Trump has expressed optimism at the prospect of reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, DeSantis made the point that the Islamic Republic could see a war with Israel as religiously mandated.

A recent phone call between Trump and Netanyahu was characterized by disagreements about how to deal with Iran.
The conversation between the two leaders was reportedly focused on what they agreed on – namely, that Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon.

However, ensuing reports emphasized sharp disagreements between Trump and Netanyahu, with the former emphasizing that a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear threat is a likely and preferable way to deal with the problem.

The president reportedly told Netanyahu: “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal,” adding that such an agreement would benefit both sides.

According to multiple reports, Trump recently cautioned Netanyahu against taking any action that could disrupt the ongoing nuclear negotiations. In contrast, Netanyahu reportedly issued a warning of his own, threatening potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites imminently.

On Tuesday, American news outlet Axios cited two sources — one of them a White House official — who said that during a phone call last week between the two leaders, Trump urged Netanyahu to refrain from any moves that could undermine the talks with Tehran.

Last Friday, U.S. and Iranian representatives concluded their fifth round of negotiations in Italy. Trump later hinted to reporters that the discussions were nearing a breakthrough and that “real progress” was being made.

Just a day before that round of talks, Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that he did not want any interference with the negotiations. “He doesn’t want anything to get in the way of the Iran talks,” a White House official said, adding that Trump urged Netanyahu not to be confrontational while efforts were underway to resolve key issues.