The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that he insisted on continuing negotiations with Iran over the nuclear program and once again threatened Tehran by mentioning possible consequences if there was no agreement. The statement was made after a meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a publication in Truth Social, Trump said that the meeting was “very good” and highlighted that the “tremendous relationship between our two countries continues”. According to him, “nothing definitive has been achieved, except that I have insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see if a deal can be consummated.” The Republican stated that an understanding “would be the preference”, but warned: “If it cannot be achieved, we will have to see what the result will be”.
The president also made reference to past military actions. “Last time Iran decided it was better not to make a deal and got hit with the ‘Midnight Hammer’ – that didn’t work out well for them,” he wrote, adding that he hopes “this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.” The “Hammer” was the name given to the operation led by the US last year that launched air strikes against nuclear bases in the Persian country.
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Before last year’s war, Iran had been enriching uranium to up to 60% purity – a level technically close to weapons grade – according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which raised concerns in the West.
The statements come amid efforts to resume indirect dialogue between Washington and Tehran, with mediation from Oman, following the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June last year. Before the meeting, Netanyahu indicated that he would defend additional demands on Tehran, including limits on its ballistic missile program and support for groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Trump has alternated signs of openness to diplomacy with warnings that “the consequences will be very serious” if Iran does not accept restrictions on its nuclear program. On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently stated that Tehran prefers diplomacy, but is “more prepared than ever” for a possible military escalation. According to him, the country will not accept “zero enrichment” and, in the event of a US attack, would respond to American bases in the region.
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In the same publication, the American president also stated that he discussed with Netanyahu what he classified as “tremendous progress” in Gaza and the region, declaring that there is “true PEACE in the Middle East”.
