AP FACT CHECK: Trump contradicts aides, self on Iran talks
WASHINGTON (AP) It's one of the most commonly heard phrases around the White House as aides seek to explain Donald Trump's thinking: "The president has made clear that ..."
But saying so doesn't make it so. And on the question of a theoretical meeting between U.S. and Iranian leaders, it's not clear at all.
On Sunday, Trump flatly contradicted top aides who had characterized his thinking on Iran last week, before a weekend attack claimed by Iran-backed Yemeni rebels on major oil sites in Saudi Arabia; Iran denied responsibility. Trump also contradicted his own remarks.
TRUMP tweet: "The Fake News is saying that I am willing to meet with Iran, 'No Conditions.' That is an incorrect statement (as usual!)."
THE FACTS: Last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at the White House that Trump said he would meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani without setting any conditions first. Often, top-level diplomacy between adversaries only proceeds after both sides agree to take a few steps to ease tensions.
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/factcheck/ap-fact-check-trump-contradicts-aides-self-on-iran-talks/ar-AAHofJD?li=BBnb7Kz