WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said Friday he’s “not happy” with the latest talks over Iran’s nuclear programme but indicated he would give negotiators more time to reach a deal to avert another war in the Middle East.
He spoke a day after US envoys held another inconclusive round of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva. As American forces gather in the region, Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a far-reaching deal on its nuclear program, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon.
“I´m not happy with the fact that they´re not willing to give us what we have to have. I´m not thrilled with that. We´ll see what happens. We´re talking later,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday.
“We´re not exactly happy with the way they´re negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons,” Trump added according to AP.
Trump was asked about the risks of the US getting involved in a drawn-out conflict if it strikes Iran.
“I guess you could say there´s always a risk,” Trump replied. “You know, when there´s war, there´s a risk of anything, both good and bad.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to make a quick trip to Israel, the State Department said. The US Embassy in Israel had earlier urged staff who want to leave to depart, joining other nations in encouraging people to leave the region and signaling that US military action might be imminent.
The announcement of Rubio’s visit, and Trump’s latest remarks, could indicate a longer timeline for any potential strike.
