Nuclear Negotiations Stalled as Trump Expresses Displeasure with Iran's Stance
US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Iran’s stance in the latest nuclear negotiations in Geneva, which concluded without agreement. He emphasised that he has not yet made a decision on whether to use military force against Tehran.
“I am not happy with the fact that they are unwilling to give us what we must have. So I am not happy,” Trump stated, according to BBC reporting.
Trump stressed that whilst he does not want to use military force against Iran, he has not ruled out such action. “I do not want to use military force against Iran, but sometimes you have to do it,” he said.
The escalating tensions have prompted several countries to issue warnings to their citizens in the Middle East. The United States has urged its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. The US Embassy in Israel has also authorised some non-essential staff and their families to depart the country whilst commercial flights remain available.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who mediated the negotiations, stated that Iran has agreed not to accumulate enriched uranium, thereby reducing concerns about nuclear weapons production. “If you cannot accumulate enriched material then there is no way you can really make a bomb,” Albusaidi said.
He previously stated that both parties had achieved “significant progress” in the high-stakes talks, and negotiations would continue in the near term, including technical discussions in Vienna the following week.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “good progress” had been made in negotiations, although differences remained on several issues. He added that further negotiations would take place within less than a week.
Meanwhile, Trump reiterated Washington’s hardline position on Iranian uranium enrichment. “I said no enrichment… I think that is uncivilised,” he said.
The US administration has also increased pressure on Iran by designating it a “wrongful detention sponsor state”, a move that allows Washington to impose additional sanctions.
US State Secretary Marco Rubio reiterated warnings for American citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately. “We reiterate our call for Americans currently in Iran to leave,” he said.
Vice President JD Vance stated that military options remained under consideration, although diplomacy remained the primary choice. “I think we all prefer the diplomatic option. But that very much depends on what Iran does and says,” he said.
In recent weeks, the United States has deployed thousands of troops, warships, fighter jets and refuelling aircraft to the Middle East. Trump even referred to the deployment as a “fleet”.
He previously warned that Washington must reach a meaningful agreement with Iran or face serious consequences. “We must make a meaningful deal. If not, then bad things will happen,” Trump said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern after being denied access to Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities since an attack on Iranian nuclear sites in June. The agency stressed that inspections must be conducted without delay to ensure transparency of Iran’s nuclear programme.
The negotiation deadlock and increased military activity have heightened global concern about the potential for open conflict between the United States and Iran, although both sides remain open to diplomatic solutions.