Despite reports of "positive" and "constructive" diplomatic talks between Iranian and U.S. officials in Oman last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran on Monday, signaling that a military strike remains an option if Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons.
Speaking during a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office, Trump accused Iran of dragging its feet on reaching a nuclear agreement and emphasized that the country must abandon any ambition to develop nuclear arms.
“Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated. When asked whether a military strike remains among the U.S.'s possible responses, he responded, “Of course it does.”
Trump suggested that Iran is nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon and warned that the window for diplomatic resolution is narrowing. “They need to move fast on the deal or face a harsh response,” he said.
Despite his warnings, Trump acknowledged that Iran appears interested in reaching a deal. “Iran wants to deal with us, but they don’t know how. They don’t know how,” he remarked, alluding to the ongoing negotiations. “We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled next Saturday. That’s a long time. You know, that’s a long time. So, I think they might be tapping us along.”
The first round of talks, held in Muscat and led by Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was described by both parties as productive. A second round of discussions is set for this coming Saturday, offering a potential path toward renewed dialogue—despite growing tensions and Trump’s uncompromising tone.
As the diplomatic process unfolds, all eyes are on whether Iran and the U.S. can reach a new understanding, or if rising rhetoric will give way to renewed conflict.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)