US President Donald Trump has hinted at a renewed diplomatic push with Iran, citing the Islamic Republic’s growing vulnerabilities amid domestic unrest, economic sanctions, and setbacks among its regional proxies. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump emphasized that diplomacy remains his preferred approach—but issued a stern warning that Iran would face "great danger" if talks fail.
"I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country," Trump said, while reiterating that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons. The comments come ahead of planned negotiations in Muscat, Oman, involving US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The format of the talks remains uncertain, as Iran has demanded mediated dialogue rather than direct engagement with the United States. Nonetheless, the meetings mark a potential turning point in US-Iran relations after years of hostility following Washington's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Mounting Pressure on Iran
Iran is currently facing immense pressure both at home and abroad. Protests have rocked the country in recent months, while international sanctions—tightened again just this week by the US Treasury—have severely impacted its economy.
Regionally, Iran's influence has also been challenged. Israeli airstrikes have significantly weakened Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah forces, while US strikes have targeted Iran-allied Houthi militants in Yemen. The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December—long a close ally of Tehran—dealt another blow to Iran’s strategic position in the Middle East. Additionally, Israeli operations have struck Iranian military sites and facilities linked to its nuclear program.
Despite these setbacks, Iran continues to enrich uranium far beyond the thresholds set in the 2015 nuclear deal, sparking concerns among international observers. Analysts believe Iran now possesses sufficient enriched material to produce multiple nuclear weapons.
A Narrower Deal on the Table?
President Trump said he remains committed to dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities but has signaled flexibility on the path forward. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advocating for a “Libya-style” full disarmament model, Trump appears to support a narrower agreement—one that would prevent Iran from weaponizing its nuclear material without completely shutting down its nuclear infrastructure.
The upcoming Muscat talks represent a high-stakes opportunity to de-escalate tensions, though expectations remain cautious given the deep mistrust on both sides.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)