President Trump said on Monday that he could see the U.S. making a deal with Iran one day to contain Tehran's nuclear program, stressing that the U.S. wasn't seeking regime change there.
"We're not looking for regime change, we're looking for no nuclear weapons," Trump said during a press conference in Tokyo, adding that he was optimistic "we'll make a deal" with Iran
Mr. Trump made the remarks during a joint news conference on Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Tensions between the two nations have increased significantly in recent weeks in the wake of new intelligence suggesting Iran was planning attacks on U.S. interests in the Middle East.
Things escalated earlier this month after Saudi installations were targeted, with many pointing a finger at Iran. Trump has even warned the leaders in Tehran that their country would be destroyed if they acted with malice against the United States.
Several of the president's hard-line advisers are thought to favor regime change, although Trump has repeatedly said that the sanctions he has recently reimposed on Iran were only designed to pressure it into making a new deal that would replace the nuclear deal from 2015, which is aimed at curbing its nuclear program.
Trump believes the deal is flawed because it does not directly address the regime's missile technology and regional aggression, and because it has a sunset clause for many of the restrictions on Iran.
Trump and Abe have been focusing on North Korea, U.S.-Japanese trade and Tehran as the president continues his four-day state visit.
Mr. Trump said their unity on policies toward Pyongyang is "steadfast and ironclad," with an approach of "peace through strength."
