U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran's stance in nuclear negotiations has become surprisingly more aggressive, though another meeting is scheduled. He reiterated that Iran will not be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon.
Trump said on Tuesday that Iran has adopted a more aggressive posture in recent nuclear negotiations, a development he described as both surprising and disappointing.
“Iran is acting much differently in negotiations than it did just days ago,” Trump told Fox News. “Much more aggressive. It’s surprising to me. It’s disappointing, but we are set to meet again tomorrow. We’ll see.”
The comments come as senior administration officials suggest that Iran appears to be deliberately stalling the talks while continuing to advance its nuclear program.
The diplomatic push for a new deal continues despite the tougher rhetoric. After a fifth round of negotiations mediated by Oman in Rome on 23 May, Trump on Tuesday confirmed a subsequent meeting, telling reporters the U.S. has "a meeting with Iran on Thursday,” though he did not clarify if it would be another formal round of nuclear talks.
Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the sixth round of talks was planned to take place on Sunday in Oman.
The administration's efforts to forge a new agreement follow Trump's 2018 decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a deal between Iran and several world powers. Trump has been firm in his objective, stating that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear bomb under his watch.
Adding a military perspective, outgoing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Michael E. Kurilla told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that he has presented President Trump with multiple options to deter Tehran's nuclear ambitions. However, Gen. Kurilla emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution.
“But I am in all favour of having a negotiated settlement that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon because of the consequences of conflict,” he stated.
However, Iranian lawmakers said on Tuesday that the United States is seeking to turn nuclear talks into a "strategic trap" for Iran.
"The U.S. is not serious in negotiations at all. It has set the goal of talks as imposing its demands and has adopted offensive positions that are diametrically opposed to Iranians' inalienable rights," the statement from parliamentarians said.
U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted on Monday that the two sides remained at odds on the issue of uranium enrichment in Iran, which Iranian lawmakers say is a non-negotiable part of the country's nuclear programme.
Iran said it will share a counterproposal to a U.S. offer for a nuclear deal, which it said is not acceptable considering its position on enrichment and lack of detail on the lifting of sanctions.
"The only acceptable deal is one that permanently lifts all sanctions with the aim of achieving economic benefits for Iran," lawmakers added in their statement.
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