Trump 'Curious' Why Iran Has Not Capitulated Amidst Military Buildup and Threats of Action
In the face of a major American military buildup in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly curious
as to why Iran has not yet capitulated to demands to curb its nuclear program, according to Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The standoff comes as the U.S. and Iran are in Oman-mediated talks in Geneva, with the U.S. threatening military action and giving Iran a tight deadline to reach a nuclear deal.
Background and Context
The tension between the U.S. and Iran has been escalating, with Washington sending two aircraft carriers, jets, and weaponry to the region to pressure Iran into a nuclear deal. The U.S. has been threatening strikes on Iran to force its hand, while Tehran and Moscow have announced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Oman in response to potential U.S. action.
President Trump has given Iran a 10-15 day ultimatum to reach a deal over its nuclear program, warning of bad things
happening if no agreement is reached. The president's aggressive stance is accompanied by a U.S. commitment of $10 billion to the Board of Peace, with Trump stating the cost is minor in comparison to the cost of war.
Key Developments
The U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, in multiple interviews, has reflected President Trump's puzzlement over Iran's refusal to capitulate under U.S. pressure. Witkoff has also confirmed meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, at the president's request.
Meanwhile, sources have warned that a U.S.-Iran war could be imminent and last weeks, as the U.S. energy secretary warned Washington will stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons 'one way or the other.' Observers speculate that the U.S. might be considering a targeted attack on Iran to force compliance.
Implications and Reactions
The ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff has provoked diverse reactions. A defense source from Iran told RT that the country will not succumb to U.S. blackmail and that any potential U.S. or Israeli attack would be met with a broad and unlimited response.
The source added that Iran is not going to get bogged down in a long and fruitless negotiation process,
particularly if the prospect of lifting sanctions is weak.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that a draft for a potential new nuclear agreement could be presented to the U.S. within days. This development followed a second round of Oman-mediated indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
Current Status
The situation remains tense as the U.S. continues its military buildup in the Middle East and Iran resists pressure to curb its nuclear program. While President Trump contemplates potential military action, the lack of public explanation or debate has raised concerns. All eyes are now on the imminent presentation of a new nuclear deal draft, which could potentially de-escalate the situation if accepted by the U.S.