On Monday, April 14, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced doubts about the speed of nuclear talks with Iran, indicating that the nation might be deliberately prolonging the discussions.
“We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled for next Saturday. I said, ‘That’s a long time.’ You know, that’s a long time. So I think they might be tapping us along,” Trump remarked during a White House press conference alongside El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele.
Trump reaffirmed his administration’s position that Iran must completely abandon any plans to develop nuclear weapons.
“Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he declared.
After Saturday’s meeting in Oman, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi informed state media that both sides had come “very close” to agreeing on a framework for continued talks. Nevertheless, Trump expressed unease about the drawn-out schedule and raised questions about Iran’s motives.
“I think they’re tapping us along because they were so used to dealing with stupid people in this country,” he stated.
The president stressed that negotiations need to progress swiftly, cautioning that Iran is “fairly close to having” a nuclear weapon. He once again mentioned the potential for military action should diplomatic efforts falter.
“If we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it,” Trump said.
Tensions continue to run high, with Tehran warning that any assault on Iranian soil could spiral into a wider regional conflict involving the United States.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
