Egypt Daily News – Axios reported, citing a U.S. official and two sources familiar with President Trump’s message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, that it included a two-month deadline to reach a new nuclear agreement. If Iran rejects Trump’s initiative, the likelihood of military action against it would increase significantly, as Iran is now closer than ever to producing a nuclear weapon.
U.S. Threats Against Iran
Trump’s message warned Iran that if it refused his initiative and did not negotiate, the chances of a U.S. or Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities would rise dramatically.
Axios noted that it remains unclear whether the two-month deadline begins from the time the message was delivered or from the start of negotiations.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium is sufficient to produce six nuclear bombs if further enriched to 90%. However, Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Trump Proposed Direct Negotiations
Two weeks ago, Trump revealed in an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that he had sent a message to the Iranian leader proposing direct negotiations. The following day, Trump stated that the U.S. had reached the final moments with Iran.
Sources told Axios that Trump’s message to Khamenei was firm, proposing negotiations for a new nuclear deal while warning of the consequences if Iran refused and continued its nuclear program. According to two sources, Trump made it clear in the message that he did not want open-ended negotiations and set a two-month deadline for reaching an agreement.
How Did Iran’s Supreme Leader Respond?
Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei dismissed Trump’s message and negotiation proposal as a deception aimed at creating the impression that Iran was rejecting talks. Khamenei stated that he did not support negotiations with the U.S.
However, hours later, Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a statement that did not rule out potential negotiations between Iran and the U.S. regarding the nuclear program.
