"While I very much wanted to be with my son Don Jr. and his fiancee Bettina, the newest member of the Trump family, government issues and my love for America prevent me from doing so," US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on 22/5.

He extended his congratulations to the couple, emphasizing that "it is important to remain in Washington D.C., at the White House during this critical phase".

Trump did not specify why this period is "critical", though the announcement comes as negotiations to end the Iran conflict appear to be at a turning point. Iran is considering a new proposal from the US, and a representative from Pakistan, a mediating nation, is present in Tehran.

President Donald Trump and his eldest son Donald Trump Jr. at the White House grounds on 3/5. *Photo: AFP*

President Trump stated on 22/5 that the conflict with Iran made attending Trump Jr.'s wedding to Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas "ill-timed". The White House later announced changes to Trump's travel plans, confirming that the US President would not visit his golf resort in New Jersey this weekend as planned, but would instead remain in Washington D.C.

Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Sweden, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated "some progress" in the negotiations, but cautioned that Washington had not yet reached an agreement. "We are dealing with a very difficult group of people. If that does not change, the President has made it clear that he has other options," Secretary of State Rubio said.

The US Secretary of State added that Trump "prefers the negotiation option" but has expressed concerns that an agreement "might not be feasible".

Thanh Tam (According to AFP)