Trump Expresses Discontent as Iran Nuclear Talks Continue
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday voiced his dissatisfaction with the progress of negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, even as his administration continues to weigh potential military options. Tensions remain high with a growing U.S. military presence in the Middle East.
“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” Trump told reporters before departing for Texas. He did not elaborate on specific demands but reiterated his firm stance that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. “We’ll see what happens. We’re talking later.”
The president acknowledged the inherent risk of escalation, stating, “There is always a risk” of war with Iran. However, he underscored the strength of the U.S. military, adding, “I’d love not to use it, but sometimes you have to.”
U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Iranian negotiators in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday in talks brokered by Oman. The aim of the discussions is to avert a potential U.S. military assault. While details of the meeting have not been released, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated afterward that “there was perhaps more seriousness on both sides than before, with the aim of reaching a negotiated solution.” A fourth round of negotiations is planned for next week.
The negotiations follow U.S. strikes last June against three Iranian nuclear facilities, which Trump claimed in his State of the Union address on Tuesday “obliterated Iran’s nuclear weapons program,” despite Tehran’s efforts to rebuild its capabilities.
Vice President JD Vance told The Washington Post on Thursday that the president is still considering military strikes to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, but emphasized that the U.S. will not become entangled in a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
In a move signaling heightened concern, the State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Israel on Friday, citing safety risks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Israel next week to discuss regional priorities, including the situation with Iran.
Trump has consistently stated his preference for a diplomatic resolution but maintains that military action remains on the table if necessary. “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy,” he said during his address to Congress, “but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can’t let that happen.”
CBS News contributed to this report.
