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U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration Friday with the latest round of nuclear talks with Iran but indicated negotiations would continue, even as military tensions rise across the Middle East.
“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have. I’m not thrilled with that,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House. “We’re not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons.”
The comments came after U.S. envoys concluded another inconclusive round of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva. While acknowledging the risks of potential military action, Trump suggested diplomacy remains the preferred path forward.
“I guess you could say there’s always a risk,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of a drawn-out conflict. “You know, when there’s war, there’s a risk of anything, both good and bad.”
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for a quick diplomatic mission to Israel on Monday and Tuesday. The State Department said Rubio would “discuss a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza.”
The timing of Rubio’s visit, coming after Trump’s measured remarks, suggests the administration may be allowing more time for diplomatic efforts despite the significant military buildup in the region.
In a concerning development, a confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has not permitted inspectors access to key nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during Israel’s 12-day military campaign last June. The report, seen by The Associated Press, noted that inspectors cannot verify Iran’s claims that it has suspended uranium enrichment following U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Tensions escalated further as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem implemented “authorized departure” status for nonessential personnel and family members. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff considering departure to leave immediately, writing in an internal email: “Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY. While there may be outbound flights over the coming days, there may not be.”
The nuclear negotiations in Geneva ended without a breakthrough, though technical discussions are scheduled to continue in Vienna next week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side,” though he avoided specifics. Iran has consistently demanded sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear program limitations.
Diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, met Friday with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. “I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days,” al-Busaidi wrote on X. “Peace is within our reach.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also met with Christopher Yeaw, a U.S. arms control official, for what Grossi described as a “timely exchange on current non-proliferation issues, including in Iran.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions. “We’re seeing both positive messages coming out of the diplomatic tracks, which we’re continuing to encourage,” Guterres said through his spokesperson. “We’re also seeing very worrying military movements throughout the region, which is extremely concerning as well.”
The United States has assembled a formidable military presence in the Middle East, with one aircraft carrier already in position and another en route. Iran has warned it will respond to any U.S. attack by targeting American forces in the region, potentially including those stationed in allied Arab countries.
The heightened tensions have prompted several countries to advise their citizens against travel to the region. Multiple airlines, including KLM, have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Britain’s Foreign Office announced it had “temporarily withdrawn” UK staff from Iran and relocated some diplomatic personnel and their families from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel “as a precautionary measure.” Germany’s Foreign Ministry advised against all travel to Israel, while Australia directed the departure of all dependents of Australian officials posted there.
China’s Foreign Ministry joined others in advising its citizens already in Iran to leave the country, according to state media reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently advocated for tougher U.S. action against Iran and warned that Israel will respond to any Iranian attack.
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5 Comments
Tensions are high, but keeping the diplomatic process alive appears the wisest course. We can hope the parties will find common ground, even if progress is slow. Careful management of this delicate situation is essential.
The President’s remarks suggest the need for continued, good-faith negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal. Resolving this impasse diplomatically, while maintaining pressure, would be the ideal outcome for all stakeholders.
The President’s comments reflect the complexities of the situation. Nuclear nonproliferation remains a critical global priority, but diplomacy often requires patience and flexibility to reach an acceptable outcome.
Cautious optimism on the Iran nuclear talks, though continued negotiations seem prudent given the high stakes. Maintaining diplomatic pressure while avoiding escalation will be key for all parties involved.
Balancing firm demands with pragmatic negotiations is challenging, but necessary to address the Iran nuclear issue constructively. A measured, multilateral approach seems prudent to mitigate risks and work towards a durable solution.