Trump: Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table - Fox News reporter on X

Trump: Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table - Fox News reporter on X

The United States has begun withdrawing non-essential diplomats and military personnel from several locations across the Middle East, including Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, amidst escalating tensions with Iran following stalled nuclear negotiations. The move comes as President Trump seeks to bring the two nations back to the negotiating table, with an ambitious 60-day timeline set for an agreement [1].

The nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran began on April 12, 2025, following a letter from President Trump to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei seeking a new nuclear deal. The talks, mediated by Oman, involve U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting indirectly, with each delegation in separate rooms [1]. The U.S. has pressed for the complete dismantling of Iran’s enrichment program, the removal of advanced centrifuges, and the export of nearly all enriched uranium, coupled with intrusive, perpetual international inspections. Iran, meanwhile, seeks phased sanctions relief, access to frozen assets, and the right to retain some nuclear capabilities, proposing a three-step plan that includes temporarily lowering enrichment and restoring international inspections in exchange for economic incentives [1].

External pressures have mounted as the negotiations unfolded. Israel has threatened preemptive strikes, Saudi Arabia has warned Iran to make a deal or face consequences, and the U.S. military presence in the region has swelled to about 50,000 troops. The French government has threatened to trigger the snapback of UN sanctions if talks fail, while Russia has begun funding new nuclear reactor construction in Iran. Despite the high stakes and threats of war, both sides have continued to posture publicly, with President Trump insisting on a deal within sixty days and Iran demanding guarantees against future U.S. withdrawal from any agreement. Throughout, the specter of military escalation has loomed large, with both sides warning of dire consequences should diplomacy collapse [1].

The U.S. evacuation from the Middle East is a strategic move aimed at reducing the risk of escalation and ensuring the safety of its personnel. The decision comes as the region remains a hotbed of geopolitical tensions and potential conflicts. As the negotiations continue, the U.S. is hoping to find a diplomatic solution that addresses both its security concerns and Iran’s desire for sanctions relief and economic incentives.

References:
[1] https://www.perplexity.ai/discover/you/us-to-evacuate-middle-east-per-E35TPUTBTQq.3jzdJ7vRUQ