US President Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner on Monday said conversations between the US and different areas of the Iranian government were probably more robust than ever, but the two sides had not yet reached an understanding.
Kushner, who is visiting the Middle East, made the comments in an interview with Fox News.
Kushner said that "Trump doesn't want to rush into a deal, he'll make the right deal when it's ready."
He added that the president would be "very patient with Iran."
Kushner said that Trump was placing an emphasis on economic pressure over military actions, focusing on the blockade of Iran which had left the Iranian economy "way worse off now."
Kushner also said that Trump was acting to ensure that Iran could not have a nuclear weapon, adding that "if Iran is willing to finish the deal that they've been discussing with us to give up their ability to create a nuclear weapon then obviously he is willing to make a deal."
Hezbollah stands in the way of peace, must be disarmed, US State Dept. spokesman declares
Hezbollah is solely responsible for Israel's presence in Lebanon, a US State Department spokesperson told Sky News Arabia early on Tuesday morning.
The Iran-backed group is the biggest threat to Lebanon's safety and stability, the official also told the network, adding that Hezbollah acts as the main obstacle to Lebanon's economic recovery and the only blemish on its international reputation.
The group must be disarmed and dismantled, the spokesperson told the channel, maintaining that disarming the group is an integral part of the pilot program for Israeli withdrawal from certain areas in southern Lebanon.
This program, which seeks a staggered Israeli withdrawal from areas to be taken over by Lebanese government forces, remains the only practical path towards peace and security, the spokesperson further said.
The program is set to expand if the first stages are successfully completed, they added.