Iran and the U.S. concluded a second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome, agreeing to meet again next weekb ut optimism for a breakthrough is being undercut by escalating military threats and conflicting statements from Washington.
President Donald Trump, who has framed the negotiations as a binary choice between “a deal or war,” reiterated his stance Thursday, telling reporters:
“I think Iran has a chance to have a great countr. That’s my first option. If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran.”
The talks come amid reports that Trump dismissed an Israeli plan for potential airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as early as next month. While the president denied “waving off” the proposal, he acknowledged:
“I’m not in a rush to do it. I prefer to give diplomacy a chance.”
Last weekend’s initial discussions in Oman were described as “constructive” by both sides, with Trump hinting at an imminent decision. But Tehran remains wary, given his administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign and close alignment with Israel.
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