Newsletters
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Iran to reach a “meaningful” agreement with Washington, warning that failure to do so could lead to further escalation as the United States expands its military presence in the Middle East.
“It’s proven to be over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen,” Trump said while addressing the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace,” his initiative aimed at promoting stability in Gaza.
He warned that Washington “may have to take it a step further” if no agreement is reached.
“You’re going to be finding out over the next probably 10 days,” Trump added.
The comments came as Washington significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is also en route to the Middle East, along with additional fighter jets.
A meeting held in Geneva marked the second round of negotiations since Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last June. The first round of talks took place in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 6.
1 min read
Meanwhile, Iran’s atomic energy chief said Thursday that “no country can deprive Iran of the right” to nuclear enrichment, responding to renewed US warnings that there were “many reasons” to strike the Islamic republic.
Iran and the United States recently resumed indirect negotiations after months of heightened tensions. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, initially over Tehran’s deadly crackdown on protesters last month and more recently over its nuclear program.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
