Trump says US holds ‘all the cards’ in trade talks

Washington, Oct 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States was close to reaching a trade agreement with Mexico and was negotiating from a position of strength with Canada, declaring that Washington held the advantage in both negotiations. 

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before leaving for a campaign rally in Florida, Trump made clear that any agreement would have to serve American interests.

"We're very close to a deal with Mexico," Trump said. "It'll be a very good deal for, hopefully, them, but it's gonna be a good deal for us or we won't make it."

He said Canada was also seeking an agreement with Washington amid continuing tariff tensions between the neighbouring countries.

"The same thing with Canada. Canada's working very hard to make a deal with us," he said.

Trump then offered a blunt assessment of the American negotiating position.

"And I hate to say this, but we have all the cards in both of them," he said. "We have all the cards. Just like I told Zelensky, we have all the cards."

The President did not provide a timetable for concluding either agreement or disclose specific concessions being discussed.

His remarks came during a wide-ranging exchange that also covered the conflict with Iran, developments in Ukraine, energy production in Britain and the approaching US midterm elections.

On Iran, Trump suggested that Washington was weighing whether to intensify its military campaign or allow economic pressure to further weaken Tehran.

"We can end it very quickly, but Iran is a failing nation," he said.

He claimed that American naval operations had secured the movement of oil through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz while restricting Iran.

"We have it blocked up for them, but nobody else," he said.

"The question is, do we want to finish it off, or do we just want to let it wither?" Trump added. "Because we're getting everything we want."

The President also claimed that more oil was passing through the waterway than before the conflict. 

Turning to Ukraine, Trump welcomed a ceasefire and praised First Lady Melania Trump's efforts to reunite children separated from their families during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"The ceasefire is really good news," he said.

Asked whether the First Lady might participate in proposed trilateral peace negotiations, Trump replied, "No, but it's not the worst idea I've ever heard."

He said her principal concern was the welfare of children and that both sides were cooperating with her initiative.

Trump also disclosed a conversation with the British Prime Minister about expanding North Sea oil production.

"We discussed the fact that they're opening up the North Sea oil," he said, arguing that increased production would strengthen Britain's economy.

On domestic politics, Trump defended his intensive campaign schedule ahead of the midterm elections and rejected suggestions that his appearances could produce a voter backlash.

He said Republican candidates were benefiting from his rallies, citing Iowa and Ohio, and expressed confidence about the party's electoral prospects. 

--IANS

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