Trump will only accept "total dismantlement" of Iran's nuclear program

President Trump said the goal of the negotiations with Iran is to achieve "full dismantlement" of Tehran's nuclear program. Why it matters: Trump's remarks in an "Meet the Press" interview aired Sunday are the first time he's publicly announced the ambitious goal since nuclear talks began with Iran a month ago. GOP senators, evangelical leaders and other Trump supporters have called on the president in recent days to make his position clear regarding Iran's nuclear program. What they're saying: "Total dismantlement. Yes, that is all I would accept," Trump told "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker."I want Iran to be really successful, really great, really fantastic. The only thing they can't have is a nuclear weapon. If they want to be successful, that's okay. I want them to be so successful," Trump said."I just don't want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed," he added. Trump said he is open to hearing arguments in favor of Iran having a civilian nuclear program, which is something that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said he supports. "There's a pathway to a civil, peaceful nuclear program if they want one," Rubio said last month on the "Honestly with Bari Weiss" podcast.Between the lines: Trump's statement settles an internal debate within the administration about what the goal of the talks with Iran should be. The more hawkish voices in the administration, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, say the U.S. must demand the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program and do it by military force if Iran refuses to accept it. The other camp within the administration thinks Iran will not accept full dismantlement of its nuclear program and has suggested the U.S. agree to some uranium enrichment in order to get a deal and avoid a military strike that could lead to a war with Iran. State of play: Iran said several times in public — and made it clear in private — during the U.S. negotiations that it will not accept full dismantlement of its nuclear program. U.S. and Iranian negotiators are expected to meet later this week for the fourth round of nuclear talks. Trump's statement will likely have a significant influence on the next round of negotiations.

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