Donald Trump has warned Iran that 'time is running out' to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf. The US president stated that a 'massive Armada' was 'moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose' towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proclaimed that the country's armed forces were ready 'with their fingers on the trigger' to 'immediately and powerfully respond' to any aggression by land or sea. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and has continually denied allegations from the US and its allies that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump's latest warning follows his promise that Washington will intervene to aid those protesting against the Iranian government. Protests erupted after the Iranian currency fell sharply, escalating into a crisis against the clerical leadership. Trump assured that 'help is on the way', but later remarked that he had been informed the execution of demonstrators had ceased.
Reports indicate that more than 6,301 people, including 5,925 protestors, have died since the demonstrations commenced in December, with estimates suggesting the final toll may exceed 25,000. Trump's comments focused primarily on Iran's nuclear ambitions, urging the country to negotiate a 'fair and equitable deal for no nuclear weapons'. He emphasized that the deployed naval force in the Gulf is larger than a previous deployment to Venezuela. Various military enhancements in the region have been confirmed, including the arrival of additional fighter jets in Jordan and a naval armada led by the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Despite Iran's readiness to negotiate, officials suspect that Trump’s approach may impose undue pressures. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister noted that no negotiations with the US were currently happening, although some exchanges of messages were noted. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate through this complicated standoff.
Trump's latest warning follows his promise that Washington will intervene to aid those protesting against the Iranian government. Protests erupted after the Iranian currency fell sharply, escalating into a crisis against the clerical leadership. Trump assured that 'help is on the way', but later remarked that he had been informed the execution of demonstrators had ceased.
Reports indicate that more than 6,301 people, including 5,925 protestors, have died since the demonstrations commenced in December, with estimates suggesting the final toll may exceed 25,000. Trump's comments focused primarily on Iran's nuclear ambitions, urging the country to negotiate a 'fair and equitable deal for no nuclear weapons'. He emphasized that the deployed naval force in the Gulf is larger than a previous deployment to Venezuela. Various military enhancements in the region have been confirmed, including the arrival of additional fighter jets in Jordan and a naval armada led by the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Despite Iran's readiness to negotiate, officials suspect that Trump’s approach may impose undue pressures. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister noted that no negotiations with the US were currently happening, although some exchanges of messages were noted. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate through this complicated standoff.
