Trump Cites Limiting Russia’s Help for Iran in Explaining His Russia Decision

U.S. President Donald Trump said on October 18 that keeping Russian assistance to Iran limited was a consideration in his decision concerning Russia. He said Moscow was providing little, if any, help to Tehran compared with what it could provide, and that he wanted to preserve that restraint. Trump also said he did not want to drive Russia away from negotiations to end its war with Ukraine, claiming progress in talks that included hostage negotiations. He said signing a document at that point would undermine negotiations, while leaving open the possibility of signing it later; his post did not identify the document.