President Trump stated on Friday that recent discussions with Iran were “very good,” but cautioned that the repercussions would be “very steep” if an agreement is not finalised.
Even with the urgency, Trump recognised that diplomatic processes require patience, telling reporters Friday evening, “We’re in no rush.”
“You have to get in position,” Trump said. “We have plenty of time. If you remember Venezuela, we waited around for a while, and we’re in no rush. We have very good talks going with Iran. We have very good talks going with Russia and Ukraine. We’re doing a lot of good talking.”
“The results today with Iran … we’re gonna meet again early next week. And they want to make a deal as they should want to make a deal,” he added. “They know the consequences if they don’t. If they don’t make a deal – the consequences are very steep. So, we’ll see what happens.”
Trump also mentioned that his team “had a very good meeting with a very high representative of Iran, and we’ll see how it all turns out.”
Earlier on Friday, officials from both countries engaged in indirect talks in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran has sought to avoid another American attack on its territory, after the president warned he would act if the regime persisted in its violent suppression of protests.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also characterised the talks as a “very good start,” saying Iran’s “views and concerns were conveyed in a very good atmosphere.” However, he said, continued talks depend on an end to US threats.
A time for the next session has not been set as of yet.
Later Friday, Trump signed an executive order imposing a new set of sanctions on Iran and its energy industry, including potential tariffs on foreign partners that trade with the country. The order does not set a fixed rate but cites 25 per cent as an illustration.
“The President is holding Iran accountable for its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, support for terrorism, ballistic missile development, and regional destabilisation that endanger American security, allies, and interests,” a White House summary states.
“President Trump has never wavered in his stance that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon – a pledge he has made repeatedly, both in office and on the campaign trail,” it adds.
According to the order, these possible tariffs could be lifted if Iran or its oil-trading partners align with US positions “on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters.”
Iran and nearby nations remain uneasy over the chance that the US might conduct another strike against the Islamic Republic, following last year’s attack on three nuclear sites in Tehran. Tensions rose further after the Trump administration sent a naval “armada” toward Iran as protests and government clashes grew violent.
Trump reaffirmed his backing for demonstrators earlier this week, remarking that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ought to be “very worried.” He has earlier called for a change of government in Iran.
The regime and its allies have vowed to respond if the US launches a military attack, including threats to American bases in the area.
