U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if Iran’s frozen financial assets are released under the terms of the agreement, a significant portion of those funds would be used to purchase food and agricultural products from American farmers. Trump also emphasized that he would take “necessary actions” if Tehran fails to comply with the provisions of the agreement.
Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that any funds released to Iran as part of sanctions relief would ultimately be spent on agricultural imports from the United States.
Responding to a question regarding the lifting of sanctions, Trump said:
“If the sanctions are lifted, money will flow into that country. All of that money will come back in the form of food purchases that the people desperately need. The money we release will largely go to our farmers, especially our farmers.”
When asked how his administration would ensure that Iran does not use oil revenues to rebuild its military, Trump replied:
“We’ll see. They shouldn’t do that. They need to use the money to buy food for their people. They are clearly buying it from us: corn, soybeans. This should amount to a very large sum of money.”
“A Nuclear Weapon Would Surpass Any Economic Depression”
Addressing concerns about the potential economic consequences of a military conflict with Iran, Trump stated:
“A nuclear weapon would make a depression look small by comparison. A depression is a very bad thing, but a nuclear weapon would bring about far worse consequences much more quickly.”
“I Will Do What Needs to Be Done”
Asked what would happen if Iran fails to abide by the memorandum of understanding, Trump responded:
“If Iran does not fulfill the requirements of the agreement or behaves improperly, I will do what needs to be done.”
Iran Denies the Claim
Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati rejected Trump’s assertions in comments to Tasnim News Agency. Hemmati stated that under the existing agreements, Tehran is under no obligation to purchase agricultural inputs from the United States.