President Trump just held a joint press conference with French President Macron. It sounds like their meeting was fairly productive.
.@POTUS: "We're thrilled that the first official state visit of my presidency is not only with a great friend, but a great leader of Americas's oldest ally, the Republic of France." pic.twitter.com/m4S2Fm28BT
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) April 24, 2018
.@POTUS on North Korean regime: “The United States and France are also cooperating to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.” pic.twitter.com/EKRgREDHZG
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 24, 2018
Of course, the Iran Nuclear Deal has been a big point of contention.
“France and the United States also agree that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that regime must end its support of terrorism,” Trump stated.
It’s no secret that Trump and Macron have different viewpoints. However, Macron said that they “want sustainable stability” and added that France wants to “work on a new deal with Iran.”
“I believe the discussions we’ve had together make it possible to open the way, to pave the way for a new agreement,” he said.
French President Macron on Iran nuclear deal: "It is not about tearing apart an agreement and having nothing but building something new that will cover all of our concern." https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/EbXzKSN5TT
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
He called the current pact not a “sufficient deal” but said the two leaders were abel to have “frank discussions” on the issue.
Macron embraced aspects of the current deal such as controls on some of Iran’s nuclear activity until 2025. He said he wishes to work on a new deal that blocks all of Iran’s nuke activity through 2025 and also contains Iran’s activities in the region.
“We want sustainable stability and I believe the discussions we’ve had together make it possible to open the way, to pave the way for a new agreement” on Iran, French President Macron says https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/vn8L0wK1jr
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
So he’s open to a new deal. That’s good to know.
Trump added: “We’re going to see what happens on the 12th but Iran threatens us in any way they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.”
“It will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations because this is a deal with decayed foundations, it’s a bad deal, it’s a bad structure, it’s falling down and it should have never ever been made,” Trump added.
"We will see what happens on the 12th," President Trump says. "But I will say if Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid." https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/0Q0PloAq9M
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
More:
“Meetings are being set up and I want to see denuclearization of North Korea,” President Trump says. “We have made no concessions, despite some of the media saying I have made concessions.” https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/Lnx9Tf0gXB
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
“As far as Syria is concerned, I would love to get out. I would love to bring our incredible warriors back home,” President Trump says https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/Zu7WdjmsVq
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
French President Macron on strategy in Syria and Iran: "I am confident about the future. … and I think it is part of a broader picture where our interests are aligned." https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/3AhvXCAebY
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
"I haven't heard of the particular allegations but I will tell you he is one of the finest people that I have met," President Trump says of VA secretary nominee Ronny Jackson https://t.co/qy4yzmOhRp pic.twitter.com/M0G3H6fAAl
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 24, 2018
Also, can we talk about this precious moment for a second?
“I like him a lot,” Pres. Trump says after he and French Pres. Macron share a handshake, then a hug, at this afternoon’s press conference. https://t.co/JD2aRgHFWr pic.twitter.com/Azu8FUX5VK
— ABC News (@ABC) April 24, 2018
Why do I find their relationship so adorable and awkward in every way? I’m pretty sure I shouldn’t think they’re adorable. I doubt that’s what they’re going for. But I mean, LOOK AT THIS.
They look like two boy scouts who are BFFs.
Oh, France and ‘Merica. Sittin’ in a tree.