Trump says talks ongoing, Iran demands sanctions relief

U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were ongoing despite escalating tensions, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to serious consequences. Speaking at the White House, Trump confirmed continued engagement with Tehran while declining to discuss potential military action, even as the United States deploys significant military assets, including an aircraft carrier strike group, to the Middle East. Prospects for renewed nuclear negotiations remain uncertain, with reports of a possible meeting in Istanbul between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with caution by Iranian officials, who said discussions were still at a preliminary stage and focused primarily on sanctions relief.

The diplomatic uncertainty unfolds amid heightened regional strain and military signaling. Iran has reiterated that lifting U.S. sanctions is its central demand, while Washington has insisted any deal must include a ban on uranium enrichment, limits on missile development, and reduced support for regional proxies—conditions analysts say Iran is unlikely to accept. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli naval forces conducted joint exercises in the Red Sea, prompting warnings from Iran’s military leadership that any U.S. misstep could trigger a regional war. Regional actors including Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have sought to distance themselves from any potential conflict. Inside Iran, authorities reported arrests linked to recent unrest and released updated casualty figures from weeks of protests fueled by economic hardship, underscoring the volatile domestic and regional backdrop against which any negotiations would take place.

Credit : CGTN