Trump signals possible nuclear deal with Iran, warns of military action

In a recent series of statements, US President Donald Trump suggested that a breakthrough in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program could be imminent, predicting that a potential deal would be “down to the final strokes.”

“That’s going to be the next thing you’ll be talking about, Iran. There’ll be some interesting days ahead. That’s all I can tell you. You know we’re down to the final strokes with Iran. That’s going to be an interesting time, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters during a briefing in the Oval Office, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The President’s remarks underscored the urgency of the situation, with Trump emphasizing, “We’re down to the final moments. Can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump’s comments come after he revealed that he had written a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, urging Tehran to enter into negotiations for a new nuclear deal with the United States.

“I’ve written him a letter saying, ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing,’” Trump said in an interview with Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, set to air in full on Sunday. He further expressed hope that Iran would choose diplomacy over conflict, adding, “I’m not sure that everybody agrees with me, but we can make a deal that would be just as good as if you won militarily. But, the time is happening now. The time is coming up. Something is going to happen one way or the other.”

As of March 7, there has been no confirmation from Tehran regarding whether the letter had been received.

Trump also revisited the events of 2020, suggesting that a potential deal with Iran was on the table before the U.S. presidential election, but that Tehran backed away after he lost to President Joe Biden. “When I lost, they saw this person, who is a stupid person, a very stupid person, and they said, ‘Let’s not make a deal,’” Trump claimed. “He took the sanctions off and they became richer under Biden.”

The US President’s comments are set against the backdrop of an ongoing standoff over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel and the United States have both pledged to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, as Tehran continues to enrich uranium to levels nearing those needed for nuclear arms.

On social media earlier this week, Trump reiterated his stance on Iran, stating, “I want Iran to be a great and successful country, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He also sought to downplay speculation of military escalation, adding, “Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens are greatly exaggerated.”

Trump’s hardline position on Iran echoes his approach during his first term, when he withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under President Barack Obama. Trump had consistently criticized the agreement as “a horrible one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made” before pulling the US out and imposing sanctions on Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s stance remains firm. In a direct response to Trump’s comments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated his country’s position, stressing that Iran would not engage in negotiations with the US until Washington ceases its policy of "maximum pressure" and threats.

Araghchi described President Trump’s recent statement about sending a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as an attempt to exert pressure on Tehran.

“We will not enter into any direct talks with the US as long as they continue their policy of maximum pressure and their threats,” Araghchi declared, reaffirming Tehran's refusal to negotiate under duress.

The Iranian government has long held that it will only engage in dialogue with the US when the threat of sanctions and military action is lifted.

By Vafa Guliyeva