File photo: US President Donald Trump (Image source: AP)
US President Donald Trump said he is “not happy” with Iran but still wants to reach a deal, even as Washington continues its massive military buildup in the Middle East.Speaking to reporters, Trump said more talks with Iran are expected on Friday.
He added: “I am not happy with Iran, but more talks are expected on Friday.”He explained that his basic demand has not changed: “Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons.”
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“I don’t want to, but sometimes you have to.”
When asked directly whether he would use military force against Iran, Trump indicated hesitation but did not rule it out.“I don’t want to, but sometimes you have to,” he said.These statements come amid escalating tensions following the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva. Although the Oman-brokered talks have achieved some progress, no agreement has been announced yet.Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran refuses to agree to a far-reaching agreement to limit its nuclear program. Iran insists that it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking to possess a nuclear weapon.
Diplomacy continues amid the military buildup
Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open.The US State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Monday and Tuesday to discuss “a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-point plan for peace in Gaza.”
The visit comes at a time when the United States is amassing significant military assets in the region. An aircraft carrier is already deployed in the Middle East and another is heading there, along with additional aircraft and warships.Iran warned that it would retaliate against American forces in the region, including those stationed at American bases in allied Arab countries, if they were attacked.
Embassy departure and travel warnings
The US Embassy in Jerusalem allowed the voluntary departure of non-essential employees and their families.
In an email reported by the Associated Press news agency, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged employees who wish to leave to do so immediately.“Those who wish to obtain AD should do so today,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorized departure.”The email warned that although outbound flights may continue for several days, they “may not be.”Other countries have taken similar precautions. Britain has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran, while the embassy continues to work remotely. Australia has directed the families of its officials in Israel to leave, while China and several European countries have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Iran.
Nuclear concerns and halted access
Meanwhile, a confidential report from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, seen by the AP, said Iran has not allowed inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during the 12-day conflict launched by Israel last June.As a result, the agency said it could not verify Iran’s claim that it had halted uranium enrichment after the US and Israeli strikes.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday that “what should happen has been clearly clarified on our part,” without going into details. Tehran has long demanded sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities, but not a complete cessation of them.Technical discussions are scheduled to take place in Vienna next week. US Vice President J.D. Vance is also expected to meet Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi in Washington, as Muscat continues to mediate between the two sides.
