Trump Warns of Potential Devastating Consequences Ahead of Nuclear Talks With Iran
WASHINGTON — The United States is headed into high stakes negotiations with Iran on Saturday over its development of nuclear weapons.
The Iranians deny they seek to build nuclear weapons but they also are believed to have enriched atomic material that could be turned into bombs within weeks.
They say it is used for nuclear generators to power their cities and industries. They also are threatening to expel United Nations inspectors who monitor Iran’s nuclear development program.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said military action was “absolutely” possible against Iran if the negotiations in Oman fail to reach a deal.
The United States had an agreement with Iran, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, that limits its nuclear program. Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2018, saying it was ineffective in halting Iran’s military ambitions.
The bottom line for the president in any new agreement is that the Iranians cannot have nuclear weapons.
“He’s made it very clear to the Iranians and his national security team … that all options are on the table and Iran has a choice to make,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference Friday. “You can agree to President Trump’s demand or there will be all hell to pay and that’s how the president feels.”
Trump said any military action against Iran would be done along with the Israelis.
There are two main nuclear sites in Iran, Natanz and Fordow. The country’s leaders designate them as exclusively nuclear power plants but American and Israeli government officials are skeptical.
The Israelis are demanding more than assurances that the nuclear plants won’t be used to develop weapons. They want both plants destroyed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video released Tuesday, “We agree that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. This can be achieved through an agreement — but only if it is a Libya-style agreement; one where the facilities are entered, dismantled, and destroyed under American supervision and execution.”
The U.S. government ramped up pressure on Iran ahead of the Oman talks on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed economic sanctions on five entities and one person that assist in Iran’s nuclear program. They include the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and Iran Centrifuge Technology Company.
“The Iranian regime’s reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a grave threat to the United States and a menace to regional stability and global security,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “Treasury will continue to leverage our tools and authorities to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program and its broader destabilizing agenda.”
Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will be representing the United States in the negotiations Saturday. Iran will be represented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi or someone he appoints.
Both sides come into the meeting with a recent history of hostility.
U.S. intelligence sources indicated the Iranians planned to assassinate Trump in 2023.
The plot appeared to be at least partly retaliation for Trump’s order during his first term as president to kill top Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was known to have orchestrated strikes against American military targets in the Middle East.
The Iranians have resisted negotiations on their nuclear program previously but now appear to be giving in as they face possible devastating consequences, according to a New York Times report that quotes anonymous Iranian sources.
Members of Parliament reportedly met with their supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last month to convince him to agree to the talks.
They told him the country’s economic crisis would only deepen unless they consider concessions, possibly leading to the fall of the Islamic Republic, The New York Times reported.
You can reach us at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook and X
