US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on 2/2, stating that "bad things" could unfold if Iran and the United States fail to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations with Tehran. "We have the best, biggest ships heading to Iran right now. We are negotiating with Iran, and let's see how things go. If we reach a deal, that will be great. If not, perhaps bad things will happen," he said.
These remarks come as US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, on 6/2. The meeting aims to revive diplomatic efforts to ease tensions surrounding Tehran's nuclear program.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, indicated that Iran is actively reviewing various aspects of the negotiations. He emphasized that time is a critical factor for Iran, as the country seeks to have "unjust sanctions lifted as soon as possible."
The Istanbul discussions are expected to include other key regional players. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt, among others, will participate. Baghaei noted that the talks would encompass: bilateral, trilateral, and other meetings.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 2/2. Photo: AP |
Concurrently, Iranian media reported on 2/2 that President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed Iranian officials to commence nuclear negotiations with the US, following a period of heightened tensions between the two nations.
According to Iranian sources who spoke to Reuters last week, President Trump had previously outlined three conditions for resuming negotiations: an end to uranium enrichment in Iran, limitations on Tehran's ballistic missile program, and a cessation of its support for armed groups in the region.
Tehran has consistently rejected these demands, viewing them as an "unacceptable" infringement on its sovereignty. However, two Iranian officials revealed to Reuters that the leadership considers the demand regarding the ballistic missile program a more significant hurdle than the issue of uranium enrichment.
An Iranian official stated, "Tehran believes there should be no preconditions for negotiations." The official added that Iran is prepared to make adjustments concerning uranium enrichment, including potentially handing over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium and agreeing to a non-enrichment solution as part of a deal.
However, to initiate talks, Tehran also requires US military assets to be moved away from Iran. "Now the ball is in Mr. Trump's court," the official concluded.
Thanh Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)
