In a significant address to business leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, emphasizing that Tehran must choose between abandoning its nuclear ambitions or facing severe consequences. “If Iran’s leadership rejects the olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure,” Trump declared, underscoring the gravity of the situation. This statement comes as part of Trump’s Middle East tour, aimed at bolstering economic ties and security cooperation with key US allies.
Trump’s comments were preceded by sharp criticism of the Iranian regime, which he accused of draining its nation’s wealth to fund terrorism and bloodshed abroad. Specifically, he pointed to Iran’s support for the former Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria and Hezbollah’s role in the downfall of Beirut. Despite these criticisms, Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with Iran, stating, “In the case of Iran, I have never believed in having permanent enemies.” He also signed a presidential memorandum reimposing “maximum economic pressure” on Iran, including sanctions aimed at driving its oil exports to zero.
The implications of Trump’s negative comments on ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran remain uncertain. Iran’s representative to the UN Mission in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump’s administration has been firm in its stance, with the president asserting that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” The situation continues to unfold, with potential repercussions for the region and global diplomacy.
