Trump's goal to ensure Iran doesn't acquire nuclear weapons - White House

WASHINGTON, July 23 (KUNA) -- Responding to questions about President Donald Trump's threatening tweet to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Monday said Trump's goal is to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
"The President has been, I think, pretty strong since day one in his language toward Iran," Sanders said during a briefing. "He was responding to comments made from them, and he's going to continue to focus on the safety and security of the American people." Asked what it would take for Trump to have direct negotiations with Rouhani, Sanders said, "That would be a determination that the President would make on what that looks like, but the ultimate goal and the focus of the President is making sure we keep nuclear weapons out of their hands, and that we focus on the protection of America.
"The President's number one goal is to make sure Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon," she said. "We have similar and shared interests with our European allies, we're continuing to have discussions with them, and when we have specifics on that front, we'll let you know." During a reply to a shouted question later from a reporter on the South Lawn of the White House, who asked if Trump had any concerns about provoking tensions with Iran, Trump replied, "None at all." (end) rm.bs