President Trump discusses tensions with Iran over nuclear program negotiations, considering military options while diplomatic efforts continue.
Overview of Tensions and Negotiations
President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program on Friday. The remarks came as U.S.-led military assets were deployed to the Middle East, escalating regional tensions.
President's Stance on Military Options
In an interview before departing for Texas, where he was set to deliver a speech on energy, Trump indicated that his administration is considering military action against Iran. He acknowledged a risk of prolonged conflict but maintained readiness to use force if necessary: "Sometimes you have to do it with. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world."
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Concerns
U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Iranian negotiators in Geneva on Thursday, attempting to prevent potential U.S. strikes. The talks, facilitated by Oman, marked a step towards averting conflict; however, Middle Eastern nations warned of broader implications.
Diplomatic Readiness and Military Buildup
The State Department advised non-emergency personnel from the United States to leave Israel due to heightened security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to travel to the country next week to discuss regional priorities with a focus on Iran.
Ongoing Negotiations and Previous Strikes
Despite diplomatic efforts, Vice President JD Vance stated that the administration is still considering strikes to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Trump had previously claimed in his State of the Union address that June 2019 strikes obliterated Iran’s nuclear weapons program but warned that Tehran intends to resume its activities.
Diplomatic vs. Military Pathways
While emphasizing a preference for diplomacy, Trump acknowledged the possibility of military action: "My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon." The ongoing negotiations aim at reaching a negotiated solution while keeping open all options for addressing Iran’s aspirations.
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