US President Donald Trump on Monday cautioned Iran against seeking nuclear weapons, claiming that not doing so could lead to military action. Addressing the White House, Trump accused Tehran of intentionally delaying a nuclear agreement and stressed that time was running out.
Iran needs to eliminate the idea of a nuclear weapon. They cannot possess a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated in a meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office.
Positive Talks in Oman, But Tensions Remain
Trump made the comments days after US and Iranian officials had what negotiators called “positive” and “constructive” talks in Oman’s capital, Muscat. The session, conducted by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was the opening in a fresh round of diplomacy. There will be a second round on Saturday.
Even with reports of progress, Trump was still doubtful about Iran’s intentions. “Iran wants to make a deal with us, but they don’t know how. They don’t know how,” he said. “We met with them on Saturday. We have another meeting next Saturday. That’s a long time. You know, that’s a long time. So, I think they may be tapping us along.”
Military Strike Still “Absolutely” an Option
Asked whether the US response would include a military attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump affirmed, “Of course it does.” Reiterating that the United States will not let Iran have nuclear weapons, he intimated a possible military escalation in case of failure of diplomatic avenues.
Trump earlier suggested that a military option, perhaps with Israeli coordination, remained “absolutely” on the table if Iran would not get out of its nuclear drive.
Iran’s Expanding Nuclear Capabilities Stir Worries
Experts say that Iran is now enriching as much uranium as could potentially allow it to make one nuclear bomb a month. While Tehran denies its nuclear efforts are anything other than for peaceful means, the enrichment is further concerning the global community.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ratcheted up the pressure on Sunday, declaring, “Our military is prepared to go deep and to go big” if diplomacy fails to yield.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Second Round of Talks
With a second diplomatic summit scheduled for Saturday, the world closely observes to find out if progress will be achieved or tensions between Washington and Tehran will grow even higher. Trump made it obvious that if Iran gives up on its nuclear weapon ambitions, the US is willing to act with force.