Amanze Chinonye
President of the United States Donald Trump on Thursday said he held a telephone conversation with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, during which both leaders discussed Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ongoing trade relations between the United States and the European Union.
In a statement issued after the call, Trump said both sides shared a common position that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
“We are completely united that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that both leaders agreed that “a regime that kills its own people cannot control a bomb that can kill millions.”
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The US president also expressed frustration over what he described as delays by the European Union in implementing its obligations under a trade agreement reached in Turnberry, Scotland.
Trump described the pact as “the largest trade deal ever” and said the EU had committed to reducing tariffs to zero under the agreement.
According to him, he has given the European Union until the United States’ 250th Independence Anniversary to fulfil its commitments, warning that failure to do so could result in higher tariffs on European goods.
“I agreed to give her until our country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels,” Trump stated.
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The remarks come amid longstanding trade tensions between Washington and Brussels over tariffs, industrial subsidies and market access. Trump has consistently accused the European Union of maintaining unfair trade barriers against American products and has previously imposed or threatened tariffs on European exports, including steel, aluminium and automobiles.
The European Union remains one of the United States’ largest trading partners, making any potential escalation in tariffs significant for global trade and supply chains.
The conversation also reflects continued Western concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. The United States and its European allies have repeatedly maintained that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons capability, particularly following the breakdown of efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Neither the European Commission nor European Union officials had issued an official response to Trump’s statement as of the time of filing this report.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
