On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump once again threatened to deploy military power should Iran refuse to cease its nuclear activities, indicating that Israel would hold an important position in this scenario. He asserted that under no circumstances can Iran possess a nuclear weapon.
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that Israel could take the lead in a possible military assault against Iran If Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
Ahead of this weekend’s planned discussions involving American and Iranian representatives in Oman, Trump shared his thoughts. Earlier in the week, he had mentioned that these talks would be "direct," whereas Iran characterised them as "indirect" negotiations. US .
If military involvement is needed, we'll have our forces," Trump stated. "Israel will undoubtedly play a significant role in this matter. They will take the lead. However, no one directs us; instead, we act according to our own decisions.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his backing for President Trump’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at reaching an agreement with Iran. He also noted that both Israel and the U.S. aim to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal. Despite this alignment of objectives, Netanyahu previously spearheaded attempts to convince Trump to withdraw from the accord negotiated during Obama's presidency in 2015, which was later abandoned by the U.S. under Trump in 2018.
The Israeli leader, who is renowned for his hardline stance towards Iran and previous advocacy for military action, expressed openness to a diplomatic accord similar to the arrangement made by Libya with global powers back in 2003. However, that particular pact required Libya’s former ruler Muammar Gaddafi to relinquish his covert nuclear programme entirely. In contrast, Iran maintains that its nuclear activities, which have been declared to the International Atomic Energy Agency, must be allowed to proceed.
I believe that would be beneficial," Netanyahu stated. "However, regardless of what occurs, we must ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
The United States is growing more worried as Tehran edges nearer than ever before to acquiring a functional weapon. However, Trump stated on Wednesday that he does not have a clear schedule for when the negotiations will reach a conclusion.
When initiating discussions, one can tell whether they're progressing smoothly or not," Trump stated. "I'd say the impression is that things aren’t going well. It’s merely a gut feeling.
Read more Trump announces direct nuclear talks with Iran, Tehran says indirect negotiations
In 2015, the US along with several global powers entered into an extensive long-term nuclear accord aimed at restricting Iran’s uranium-enrichment activities in return for easing economic sanctions. However, in 2018, Trump chose to withdraw the US from this nuclear pact unilaterally, denouncing it as "the worst deal ever."
In 2021, Iran and the US, during President Joe Biden’s tenure, engaged in indirect discussions in Vienna with the objective of reviving the nuclear accord. However, these talks as well as separate negotiations involving Tehran and European countries did not result in an agreement being reached.
Read more An analyst states that Iran has no alternative but to interact with the USA.
In the meantime, the US Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions against Iran’s nuclear programme earlier on Wednesday.
The latest round of sanctions has targeted five organisations and an individual located in Iran due to their involvement in supporting the country's nuclear programme. Among those listed are the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran along with associated bodies such as the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, Thorium Power Company, Pars Reactor Construction and Development Company, and Azarab Industries Co.
I wish for Iran to thrive," Trump stated on Wednesday. "The sole exception is that they cannot possess a nuclear weapon. They grasp this.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Wednesday that his country is "not seeking a nuclear bomb" and suggested the possibility of direct US investment in Iran should an agreement be reached between the two nations.
The remarks made by the reformist leader mark a shift away from Iran's position following the 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers. After this pact, Tehran aimed to purchase U.S. aircraft, yet effectively prevented American businesses from entering the nation.
His Excellency has no objection to investments from American investors in Iran," Pezeshkian stated during a speech in Tehran, speaking about Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "American investors: Feel free to come and invest.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)