Heat turns up on Iran-U.S. talks as Israel pressures Washington

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington would take “very tough action” against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail, as tensions rise over the direction of renewed U.S.-Iran talks. Iran, meanwhile, urged the United States not to allow Israel to influence its foreign policy.

The two sides resumed formal talks in Oman last week, their first since last year’s conflict. Trump said Iran had shown a softer tone and indicated that a second round of talks could take place next week. He stressed that any deal must address both Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile capabilities, adding that additional U.S. military deployments in the Gulf remain under consideration.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Washington, is expected to focus discussions on Iran and present new intelligence on Tehran’s missile program. Iranian officials accused Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts and maintained that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful.

Analysts say parallel diplomatic efforts by Iran and Israel could complicate negotiations. While talks may yield temporary compromises, observers warn that continued deadlock could risk unilateral military action and further regional instability.

Credit : CGTN