Trump Expresses Doubt Over Iran Nuclear Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed growing skepticism this week over the likelihood of reaching an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program, signaling a shift in tone after earlier expressing optimism. Speaking in a podcast recorded Monday and published Wednesday, the president acknowledged diminishing confidence in the negotiation process, which has seen little concrete progress nearly two months into renewed diplomatic efforts.

Trump reaffirmed his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, regardless of whether a formal agreement is reached. He suggested that Iranian negotiators appeared to be stalling discussions, leading to his reduced expectations for a successful outcome. The comments marked a notable departure from his previous stance, when he was more hopeful that diplomacy could produce results.

Negotiation Deadlock and Regional Implications

The stalled discussions come amid an ongoing series of high-level meetings between Washington and Tehran, which resumed in April after a long hiatus. These negotiations represent the most direct contact between the two governments since the United States exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. That landmark 2015 accord placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump emphasized that under no circumstances would he allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He stressed that whether or not a diplomatic deal is reached, the outcome would remain the same: Iran would not obtain such capabilities. However, the lack of progress has cast doubt over whether continued diplomacy can achieve that goal.

Iran, for its part, announced that a sixth round of negotiations was scheduled to take place the following Sunday. Previous rounds have so far failed to produce tangible breakthroughs, and both sides remain divided on key issues, including uranium enrichment limits and sanctions relief.

Military Threats and Warnings

In response to warnings from the U.S. about potential military options should diplomacy fail, Iranian officials issued strong retaliatory statements. Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that U.S. military bases across the region would be vulnerable in the event of armed conflict. He stated that all American installations in the Middle East are within range and would be targeted immediately in any hostilities.

The remarks reflect the heightened tensions and continued brinkmanship that have characterized U.S.-Iran relations in recent years. With negotiations at a standstill and rhetoric intensifying, the prospect of escalating conflict remains a significant concern for regional stability.