US President Donald Trump said he is “not happy” with Iran’s position in nuclear negotiations and warned that military action remains an option, though he has not taken a final decision.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump accused Iran of failing to negotiate in good faith and repeated that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons. He said diplomacy was preferred but did not rule out the use of force, including possible regime change.
The remarks came after recent talks between the US and Iran ended without a clear agreement, though further discussions are expected next week.
However, Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s foreign minister and key mediator, said the negotiations had made significant progress and that a peace deal was “within reach”. He said Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons and was willing to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency full access to its nuclear facilities.
Albusaidi travelled to Washington to urge US officials, including Vice-President JD Vance, to continue diplomatic efforts and avoid military escalation.
Rising regional tensions
The US has authorised the departure of non-essential government staff and their families from Israel amid growing security concerns. American citizens were also advised to consider leaving while commercial flights remain available.
Washington has positioned two aircraft carrier strike groups in the region, signalling preparedness if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the UK had temporarily withdrawn its staff from Iran, citing security risks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit Israel next week for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials on regional issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
Disagreements over nuclear programme
Major differences remain between the two sides. Iran has rejected US demands to export its highly enriched uranium stockpile and insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency said inspectors could not confirm the location of about 400kg of highly enriched uranium in Iran and called for immediate access to key nuclear sites.
US officials say further technical-level talks between the two sides are expected next week in Vienna.
