Trump Voices Growing Skepticism on Iran Nuclear Deal Prospects
Former US President Donald Trump recently expressed declining confidence in the possibility of securing a nuclear agreement with Iran. During an appearance on a popular podcast, Trump acknowledged that while he initially believed a deal was achievable, recent developments have driven his optimism down.
Delays and Doubts in Negotiations
Addressing the ongoing talks, Trump stated, “I don’t know. I did think so, and I’m getting more and more — less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, and I think that’s a shame, but I’m less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago.” He suggested something has shifted on Iran’s side, contributing to this uncertainty.
The negotiations, which have seen multiple rounds of discussions, revolve around Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. Iran insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, while the US stance has been firm against any enrichment that could potentially lead to weaponization.
Background of the Talks
The current dialogue aims to revive the nuclear pact originally brokered during the Obama administration, striving not only to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also to reset the US-Iran relationship. However, tensions remain high as Iran accelerates production of near weapons-grade uranium, awaiting approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Trump’s Stark Warning: Deal or Risk War
Trump underscored that regardless of an agreement, Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, he emphasized that pursuing a diplomatic solution is preferable to the alternatives.
“Well, if they don’t make a deal, they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. If they do make a deal, they’re not going have a nuclear weapon, too,” Trump explained. “But it would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying, it’s so much nicer to do it.”
Earlier in the week, Trump warned that failure to reach a consensus could bring “death and destruction” to Iran, cautioning that the diplomatic window might be closing as enthusiasm for a deal appears to be waning.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations continue amid delays and mistrust, the international community watches closely to see whether diplomacy can prevail or if the tensions escalate further. For now, Trump’s remarks reveal a somber outlook, reflecting the complex and precarious nature of the Iran nuclear issue.
