I’m not happy with the way they’re negotiating, says Trump on Iran talks

Tel Aviv: US President Donald Trump said Friday he is “not happy” with the latest talks over Iran’s nuclear program but indicated he would give negotiators more time to reach a deal and avert another war in the Middle East.

“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have. I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens. We’re talking later,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House.

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“We’re not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons,” he added.

Trump reiterated that he did not want Iran to be allowed to enrich any uranium, questioning the need for the oil-rich nation to enrich for energy purposes. When asked about a potential military strike, he said, “I’d rather not tell you,” but acknowledged the risks of U.S. involvement in a conflict: “I guess you could say there’s always a risk. You know, when there’s war, there’s a risk of anything, both good and bad.”

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The remarks came a day after U.S. envoys held another inconclusive round of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelt out from our side,” without offering specifics. Iran has demanded relief from international sanctions in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, a mediator in the talks, urged patience, telling CBS’s Face the Nation: “If I was President Trump, my only advice is just to give those negotiators enough room, enough space to really close these remaining areas that we need to discuss and agree upon.” Al-Busaidi later added on X that Iran had expressed willingness to give up enriched uranium, not accumulate more, and allow comprehensive inspections.

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Meanwhile, the U.S. has reinforced its military presence in the Middle East, with one aircraft carrier in place and another en route. The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued “authorised departure” guidance for nonessential personnel and families, urging staff to leave quickly.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Israel Monday and Tuesday to “discuss a range of regional priorities, including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza.” Rubio also labelled Iran a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” and indicated possible travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.

The U.N. and the International Atomic Energy Agency continue to push for diplomatic engagement. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said, “We’re seeing both positive messages coming out of the diplomatic tracks, which we’re continuing to encourage. We’re also seeing very worrying military movements throughout the region, which is extremely concerning as well.”