Trump Establishes Deadline for Iran on New Nuclear Deal Negotiations

President Trump has set a two-month deadline for Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal, warning of potential military action if Iran declines. Iran’s nuclear capabilities have advanced since 2018 when the U.S. withdrew from the original agreement. The dynamics of this situation remain tense as both countries assess the possibilities for dialogue and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

United States President Donald Trump recently sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, establishing a two-month deadline for crafting a new nuclear deal. According to sources cited by Axios, the precise start of this countdown remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether it commences upon delivery of the letter or the initiation of negotiations. If Iran ultimately declines the offer and withdraws from discussions, the likelihood of military action against its nuclear facilities by the United States or Israel could significantly escalate.

Iran’s nuclear program has made considerable advancements in recent years, bringing them closer to the capability of developing a nuclear weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran currently possesses a stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, which could theoretically be refined to yield enough material for six nuclear bombs. Nonetheless, Iran continues to assert that it is not engaged in weapons development.

In a Fox News interview, Trump emphasized the necessity of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating, “We cannot let them have nuclear weapons. Something is going to happen very soon. I would prefer a peace agreement to the other option, but the other option will solve the problem.” The delivery of the letter to Khamenei was facilitated by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, who presented it to United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. Subsequently, Zayed’s envoy transferred it to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Reports suggest that Trump’s communication was firm in tone, offering dialogue while simultaneously cautioning Iran against continued advancements in its nuclear program. Khamenei characterized the letter and proposed talks as a deceptive attempt to pose Iran as the unwilling party in negotiations. However, hours later, Iran’s United Nations mission released a statement indicating that discussions with the United States over the nuclear issue were not entirely ruled out.

Despite Khamenei’s initial dismissal of the talks, the Iranian mission stressed that any discussions aimed at dismantling Iran’s peaceful nuclear program would be unacceptable. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that they are currently analyzing Trump’s letter and preparing a response.

Last September, during his campaign, Trump expressed openness to a new nuclear agreement with Iran, following reports of an alleged assassination plot against him by Iran. Although he refrained from elaborating on potential cooperation, he noted the importance of negotiations in light of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Recently, Trump initiated a document reinstating maximum pressure on Iran to cease its oil exports entirely and obstruct its nuclear aspirations.

In early February, the U.S. Treasury Department enacted sanctions against networks associated with the Iranian military, suppressing revenue from oil sales. Reports also emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin had consented to assist Trump in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

The backdrop to the current situation includes the 2015 Iran nuclear deal involving the U.S., UK, Russia, France, China, Germany, and the EU. The agreement required Iran to curtail its nuclear initiatives in exchange for the cessation of economic sanctions. After Trump’s withdrawal from the deal in 2018, Iran resumed uranium production. Under President Biden, efforts to revive the deal through indirect negotiations foundered in late 2022 due to accusations from the United States regarding Iran’s dubious demands linked to the IAEA’s investigation into undisclosed nuclear sites.

The recent correspondence from President Trump highlights a critical juncture in U.S.-Iran relations regarding nuclear negotiations. With a two-month deadline established, the potential for conflict looms should Iran reject further discussions. As both nations navigate the complexities of diplomacy amid significant nuclear advancements, maintaining communication channels remains essential. The world now awaits Iran’s response and the subsequent implications for international security.

Original Source: babel.ua