President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, accusing Tehran of stalling nuclear negotiations and suggesting that the United States is prepared to take military action if talks fail. Speaking from the Oval Office on April 14 alongside El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump expressed frustration over the pace of recent discussions held in Oman between U.S. and Iranian officials. The talks are the first high-level contact since Trump’s return to office in January.
“We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled next Saturday. I said, ‘That’s a long time.’ You know, that’s a long time. So I think they might be tapping us along,” Trump said, according to CNN.
The president made clear that the U.S. is not willing to accept delays in negotiations while Iran continues advancing its nuclear program.
“They have to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. He added that Iran is “fairly close to having” one, and emphasized that time is running out: “If we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to state media after Saturday’s meeting, said the two sides “got very close” to agreeing on a negotiation framework. However, Tehran has warned that any military action would risk sparking a wider conflict across the Middle East.
The administration has not disclosed specific red lines or operational timelines, but the tone from the White House suggests growing impatience. Trump said he believes Iran is taking advantage of past administrations, remarking, “They were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country.”
The current negotiations follow months of heightened tensions, including U.S. sanctions and Iranian proxy activity across the region. Washington has made it clear that a new deal must contain stricter oversight, curbs on missile development, and full dismantlement of weapons-grade enrichment.
The recent developments mark a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran relations, with both sides expressing deep mistrust and skepticism. Trump’s warning comes amid a backdrop of failed diplomatic efforts and increasing regional instability.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously rejected the idea of negotiations with the U.S., labeling them as a means for Washington to impose its will. “Some bully governments insist on negotiations,” he said, according to state media. “But their negotiations are not aimed at solving issues, but to dominate and impose their own expectations.”
Despite the hardline stance, Iran has engaged in indirect talks facilitated by Oman, with the aim of reaching a new agreement that would lift U.S. sanctions in exchange for limitations on its nuclear program. However, disagreements persist, particularly over the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The U.S. has proposed transferring the stockpile to a third country, such as Russia, a move Iran resists, citing concerns over potential U.S. withdrawal from any agreement.
The Guardian
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating rhetoric and the potential for military conflict. European allies, who were part of the original 2015 nuclear deal, have urged both sides to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table.
In the Middle East, the prospect of renewed conflict has raised alarms. Regional powers fear that military action could destabilize the area further, leading to widespread consequences. Iran has warned that any aggression would be met with a strong response, potentially drawing in various actors and escalating into a broader conflict.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely. The next round of talks, whether in Rome or Oman, will be critical in determining the path forward. The stakes are high, and the potential consequences of failure are severe.
President Trump’s warning underscores the urgency of the matter. Whether through diplomacy or force, the U.S. appears determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The coming weeks will reveal whether a peaceful resolution is possible or if the region is headed toward another conflict.
