During an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly asserted that President Donald Trump is “dead serious” about preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Hegseth emphasized Trump’s long-standing commitment to this issue and confirmed that while the administration seeks a peaceful resolution, military options remain on the table if necessary.
The discussions aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program commenced in Oman, where U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met.
Hegseth reported that the talks were productive, with both sides planning to reconvene soon.
He reiterated Trump’s resolve, stating, “He’s dead serious that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” and that the president wants resolution through negotiation but is prepared to explore alternative measures if diplomacy fails.
Iranian state media characterized the talks as occurring in a “constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect,” while the White House remarked that the discussions could mark a step forward in resolving ongoing tensions.
The issues at hand are complex, as both nations aim to find a mutually beneficial outcome.
Moreover, Trump has publicly pressured Iran to rein in the activities of its regional proxies, warning that failure to reach an agreement would put Iran in “great danger.”
In response to these diplomatic efforts, Iranian officials have claimed their willingness to negotiate a deal and maintain compliance with the original terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement, despite past criticisms from Trump.
Concerns linger, however, as reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicate that Iran has exceeded the uranium enrichment limits established in the deal, further complicating the path ahead.
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