Trump Warns Iran: “Time to Choose” as Nuclear Talks Stall

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – In a forceful address delivered from an investor forum in the Saudi capital, President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, declaring that the Islamic Republic must choose between diplomatic engagement or face severe consequences over its nuclear ambitions.

“We will never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or nuclear attack,” Trump declared. “The choice is theirs to make… This is an offer that will not last forever. The time is right for them to choose — right now.”

The speech marked Trump’s most direct public comments yet on the status of U.S.-Iran negotiations, which are currently being mediated by Oman. Four rounds of indirect talks have taken place, including the latest on Sunday, but have yet to yield a breakthrough.

“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure… and take all action required to stop the regime from ever having a nuclear weapon,” Trump warned. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Despite the tough rhetoric, the president indicated that a deal was still possible and suggested a shift in tone from previous administrations. “In the case of Iran, I have never believed in having permanent enemies. I am different than a lot of people think. I don’t like permanent enemies. Sometimes you need enemies to do the job and you have to do it right. Enemies get you motivated,” he said.

“I want to make a deal with Iran. I can make a deal with Iran. I’ll be very happy if we’re going to make your region and the world a safer place,” Trump added.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff has been dispatched by the Trump administration to engage in nuclear talks with Iranian representatives via Omani intermediaries. While the channels remain open, Trump’s speech suggested the window for diplomacy may be narrowing.

The president also launched a broadside against Iran’s foreign policy, accusing Tehran of fostering instability across the region. “Iran’s leaders have focused on stealing their people’s wealth to fund terror and bloodshed abroad. Most tragic of all, they have dragged down an entire region with them,” Trump said.

He blamed Iran for “countless lives lost” due to its support for the now-defunct Assad regime in Syria and Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, which he said led to “the downfall of Beirut, which was once called the Paris of the Middle East.”

“Can you imagine all of this misery and so much more was entirely avoidable, absolutely avoidable,” Trump added.

The President also criticized the Biden administration, alleging that its decision to ease sanctions on Iran helped fund terror groups like Hamas. He linked the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel to what he termed “reckless appeasement” of Tehran.

Trump’s renewed pressure on Iran coincides with a broader diplomatic and economic push in the region. His visit to Saudi Arabia includes meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the signing of historic investment and security agreements.

Still, Trump maintained that reconciliation with Iran remains possible.

“If only the Iranian regime had focused on building their nation up instead of tearing the region down,” he said. “Yet I’m here today not merely to condemn the past chaos of Iran’s leaders, but to offer them a new path and a much better path toward a far better and more hopeful future.

“In fact, some of the closest friends of the United States of America are nations we fought wars against in generations past,” he added, emphasizing his willingness to reset ties.

Whether Iran will respond to the ultimatum remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Trump’s warning has added new urgency to nuclear negotiations already hanging in the balance.

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