U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program would begin April 12. However, just days before the scheduled negotiations, he warned of military action if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking at a White House press conference Wednesday, Trump stressed, “We don’t want much, but they can’t have a nuclear bomb.” He added that if Iran resists, military measures would follow, with Israel leading the effort. “If military support is needed, we’ll use it. Israel will lead, though no one leads us—we do what we think is right,” Trump asserted.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian swiftly rejected direct talks, insisting negotiations would occur indirectly through Oman’s mediation. On Wednesday he emphasized Tehran’s stance: “We’ll negotiate with honor and confidence not retreating an inch from our achievements.” His comments underscored Iran’s firm position amid escalating tensions.
Adding pressure U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions Wednesday on five entities and one individual accused of aiding Iran’s nuclear program.
These groups, previously linked to blocklisted organizations AEOI and TISAR focus on atomic research and technology development. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent declared, “Our goal is to ensure Iran never builds a nuclear weapon.”
Read more: Trump’s Nuclear Talks Gambit with Iran: Peace Ploy or War Drums?
The conflicting signals—Trump’s push for direct talks and threats of force versus Iran’s insistence on indirect dialogue—highlight the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations. With military action on the table and new sanctions in play, the April 12 discussions face an uphill battle as both sides dig in.
