U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran: immediately abandon its nuclear ambitions or face possible military retaliation. The warning comes amid renewed diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions between the two nations, Reuters reports.
Constructive Talks Followed by Caution
The renewed negotiations began with a “constructive” meeting in Oman on Saturday between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Iranian representative. A second round of discussions is expected later this week, potentially in Rome.
Despite the optimistic tone from both sides, Trump remains skeptical about Iran’s intentions.
“I think they’re tapping us along,” Trump told reporters. “Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Military Action “On the Table”
When asked if military intervention remains an option, the former president responded decisively:
“Of course it does,” signaling that the U.S. is prepared to respond with force if diplomacy fails.
According to sources familiar with the talks, the current negotiations are exploratory and aimed at assessing the potential for a more comprehensive agreement. However, Trump emphasized that time is of the essence:
“They’re fairly close [to developing a weapon],” he warned, urging swift action to avoid what he called a “harsh response.”
Background: A History of Nuclear Tensions
Iran’s nuclear program has been a longstanding source of tension with the U.S. The Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump pulled out of the deal in 2018, citing its ineffectiveness and launching a campaign of “maximum pressure” on Tehran.
While the Biden administration attempted to revive indirect talks, no significant progress has been made.
What’s Next?
With tensions escalating and another round of negotiations on the horizon, global attention is now focused on the outcome. The stakes are high, as both nations weigh the risks of diplomacy versus military confrontation.
Stay tuned for updates on the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and potential global impacts.
