U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday he is “not happy” with the latest round of negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, while simultaneously indicating he will allow talks to continue in an effort to avoid further escalation in the Middle East. The assessment came after another inconclusive session of indirect discussions between U.S. And Iranian envoys in Geneva.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the core of the current impasse centers on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. The U.S. Delegation, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has reportedly demanded the complete dismantling of Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, alongside a commitment to indefinitely halt all uranium enrichment. Trump has repeatedly insisted that Iran “cannot have weapons,” and has not ruled out military action if a deal is not reached.
Iranian negotiators, however, are believed to have proposed a temporary suspension of enrichment for a period of three to five years – a timeframe that would extend beyond Trump’s current term in office – followed by participation in a regional consortium for low-level enrichment intended for non-weaponized purposes. As part of any agreement, Iran would grant international inspectors access to monitor compliance.
The President’s comments Friday, delivered to reporters outside the White House, were blunt. “I’m not happy with the fact that they aren’t willing to give us what we should have. That doesn’t excite me. We’ll see what happens. We’ll talk later,” Trump said. He acknowledged the risks of military conflict, stating, “You know, when there’s war, there’s a risk of anything, good or bad.”
During a subsequent visit to Texas, Trump expressed even greater pessimism, telling journalists that Iranian negotiators “don’t want to go far enough. It’s a shame.” He reiterated his position that Iran should not be permitted to enrich uranium at any level, arguing that as a nation rich in oil resources, it has no need for a domestic enrichment program.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has responded to Trump’s statements, accusing the U.S. President of conducting a “disinformation campaign” and disseminating “considerable lies” regarding Iran’s nuclear program. A statement released via social media criticized Trump’s address to the U.S. Congress earlier in the week, where he alleged Iran was developing missiles capable of threatening Europe and the United States.
Negotiations are currently mediated by Oman. The U.S. Has increased its military presence in the region, with officials citing concerns about potential Iranian aggression. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Geneva, though a specific date has not been announced.
