US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran halt its nuclear programme entirely by dismantling its infrastructure, following the postponement of the fourth round of nuclear negotiations due to “logistical issues.” The demand comes after negotiators from both sides had earlier described the first three rounds of talks as “constructive and positive.”
Iran has made it clear that dismantling its civil nuclear programme is unacceptable, though it has agreed to cap uranium enrichment to below four per cent, as requested by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In an interview on Sunday night, when asked whether his aim was to limit or entirely abolish Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump responded, “Total dismantlement. Yes, that is all I would accept.” He also questioned the need for the Islamic Republic to possess nuclear technology for electricity generation, pointing out Iran’s vast oil reserves. “They have so much oil—why do they need it? … Civilian [nuclear] energy often leads to military wars. And we don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple deal,” Trump added.
“I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed,” he continued.
Also read: Israel expands Gaza offensive, killing 43 in less than 24 hours
The remarks came after Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi announced the indefinite postponement of the fourth round of indirect talks, which were to have been held on Saturday. The talks, mediated by Oman, had been seen as a potential breakthrough in addressing the nuclear impasse between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to retaliate after a Houthi ballistic missile struck near Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv on Sunday, injuring eight people. The Houthis claimed that their missile attack was aimed at imposing a “comprehensive air blockade” on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Iran, however, denied any involvement in the Houthi attacks, dismissing the claims as “misleading.”
Trump had previously withdrawn the United States from the 2015 UN-backed nuclear deal with Iran, accusing the country of violating the agreement in secret. While Tehran has denied these allegations, it has since reduced its compliance with the deal and increased its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned last month that Tehran would resist any US “pressure and threat.”
Follow us
