Negotiations between Iran and the United States have resumed, as Trump issues a warning to the supreme leader.
On Wednesday, Iran and the United States announced their intention to proceed with nuclear negotiations in Oman later this week, despite President Donald Trump’s admonition to Tehran’s supreme leader, suggesting he should be “very worried.”
Concerns arose on the outcome of the negotiations following a report earlier Wednesday indicating that discussions between the adversaries were deteriorating due to disputes over the format and place.
The ambiguity has heightened concerns on the possibility of further US military intervention in Tehran, amidst escalating tensions following Iran’s harsh suppression of significant uprisings against its regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that nuclear negotiations are now “scheduled” for Friday in Muscat. “I express my gratitude to our Omani counterparts for facilitating all requisite arrangements,” he stated on X.
An official from the White House also verified to AFP that the meeting is scheduled to take place in Oman on Friday.
Diplomats already indicated that the meeting will take place in Turkey. However, the Axios news outlet reported that the United States was on the brink of withdrawal, as Iran contested both the position and the inclusion of its ballistic missile program.
However, Trump, who has significantly boosted the US military presence in the region and has not dismissed the possibility of further military action, persisted in exerting pressure on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Trump stated on Wednesday during an interview with NBC News that he should be exceedingly concerned.
Trump stated that Iran has considered establishing a new nuclear plant following US strikes on Iranian nuclear targets during Israel’s June conflict with the Islamic Republic.Trump informed NBC that they were contemplating the establishment of a new location in another region of the country. “Upon discovering the matter, I stated, should you proceed with that, we shall enact severe repercussions upon you.”Ballistic Missiles
Trump has dispatched a US aircraft carrier group, which he refers to as a “armada,” to the region, and one of its aircraft intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone on Tuesday. Iran has issued a warning of reprisal against US targets in the region if provoked.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is “prepared” to engage with Iran, but emphasized that negotiations must encompass Tehran’s missile and nuclear programs to be “substantive.”They must incorporate specific elements, such the range of their ballistic missiles, their financing of terrorist organizations throughout the region, their nuclear program, and the treatment of their own populace,” he stated.
Rubio stated that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, was prepared to meet with Iran in Turkey but then received “conflicting reports” regarding Tehran’s agreement.
In prior negotiations regarding its contentious nuclear program, Iran has excluded discussions on its missile capabilities, asserting that these weapons, capable of striking Israel, are a means of self-defense to which every nation is entitled.
Iran has faced increasing pressure due to the protests and following an Israeli bombing campaign last year. Iran has also forfeited significant regional friends due to Israel’s substantial weakening of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the decline of veteran Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.