As nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran resume in Oman, President Donald Trump warns Tehran that military options remain “on the table” if the Islamic Republic does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.
In a high-stakes declaration amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that it must “get rid of the concept” of developing a nuclear weapon — or risk facing military consequences. Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump stated unequivocally: “Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
The warning comes just days after U.S. and Iranian officials held what both sides described as “positive” and “constructive” talks in Muscat, Oman. A second round of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday.
Despite signs of diplomatic progress, Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s intentions, accusing Tehran of deliberately stalling negotiations while edging closer to nuclear capability.
“They don’t know how” to deal
“Iran wants to deal with us, but they don’t know how,” Trump said, striking a more pessimistic tone than officials had signaled following the Muscat talks. “We had a meeting with them on Saturday. We have another meeting scheduled next Saturday. That’s a long time. So, I think they might be tapping us along,” he added, suggesting Tehran may be playing for time as it advances its nuclear program.
When asked directly whether a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities was still on the table, Trump did not hesitate: “Of course it does.”
A Familiar Red Line
Trump’s remarks echo a long-standing U.S. policy that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, but the language and tone signal a return to his more confrontational rhetoric from his first term in office. During that time, the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reimposed crippling sanctions on Iran, and engaged in a series of proxy confrontations across the Middle East.
Analysts view the current round of talks as a last-ditch effort to avoid military escalation while potentially re-establishing a framework for limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, Trump’s comments underscore how fragile the process remains.
Diplomatic Window Still Open—For Now
While President Trump expressed frustration at the pace and sincerity of Iran’s engagement, both American and Iranian officials confirmed that last week’s talks involved meaningful exchanges and paved the way for continued discussions.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. point man for the negotiations, reportedly framed the talks as “substantive,” and Iranian envoys described the atmosphere as “constructive,” though few specifics have emerged.
Iran has long denied it is pursuing a nuclear weapon, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, international watchdogs have noted the country’s uranium enrichment efforts have expanded significantly in recent months, raising alarms across Western capitals.
A Precarious Standoff
Trump’s comments place additional pressure on the diplomatic teams headed to Oman this weekend. With tensions high and timelines tight, the choice being presented is stark: a return to the negotiating table with concrete outcomes — or a potential confrontation with the world’s most powerful military.
As the clock ticks and nuclear fears rise, Saturday’s meeting in Muscat could be a pivotal moment in determining whether the region moves toward détente or conflict.
