Trump Takes Softened Stance on Iran, Supports Ballistic Missile Possession and Asset Return

US President Donald Trump, who has taken a hard line against Iran over the past few months, now appears to be taking a relatively soft and balanced stance towards Tehran. After signing a preliminary deal with Iran in France, Trump said that Iran also has the right to possess ballistic missiles in accordance with its security needs. He said that it would not be appropriate to deny this right entirely to any one country. Trump also indicated that the US military presence in the Persian Gulf could remain until a final agreement is reached with Iran. According to ANI, Trump also took a moderate stance on the issue of Iran's frozen assets abroad. He said that the money belongs to Iran and should be returned as the diplomatic process progresses. According to Trump, holding on to a country's assets for a longer period of time is not good for the international financial system and the credibility of the US dollar. He said that it may seem politically attractive to freeze a country's assets, but maintaining the trust of global investors and a fairer dollar would be more important if the world follows the rules of the deal.