Trump Signals Openness to a ‘New Deal’ to Constrain Iran

President Trump signaled on Tuesday that he was open to a new arrangement with European allies that would preserve the Iran nuclear agreement by expanding and extending its terms to further constrain Tehran’s development of weapons and destabilizing activities in the Middle East.

Hosting President Emmanuel Macron of France at the White House, Mr. Trump again assailed the agreement sealed by his predecessor as a “terrible deal” but said he could agree to “a new deal” negotiated by American and European officials if it was strong enough. He made no commitment, however, leaving it open whether he will pull out of the agreement by a May 12 deadline.

“Nobody knows what I’m going to do on the 12th, although Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea,” he said, turning to Mr. Macron, who winked at him in silent reply.

One of Mr. Macron’s goals in visiting Washington was to persuade Mr. Trump not to scrap the Iran nuclear deal while American and European negotiators seek to create side agreements intended to further restrain Tehran.

Negotiators have reached a consensus on how to punish Iran if it tests long-range ballistic missiles, but remain divided on extending the limits on its nuclear program beyond the expiration dates in the original agreement, according to people briefed on the discussions.

In his talks with Mr. Trump, Mr. Macron emphasized that, while imperfect, the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or J.C.P.O.A., should not be tossed aside but instead become one pillar of a broader agreement.

“I’ve never been as critical of the J.C.P.O.A. as President Trump has, because I believe we can add to it,” Mr. Macron said.

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