- US President Signals Willingness for Dialogue Despite Ongoing Military Confrontation
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to consider proposals from Iran aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, while reiterating that Tehran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association on Friday, Trump said Iranian officials had resumed contacts with Washington in an apparent effort to reach a negotiated settlement.
“They are talking to us right now. They would like to make a deal. I don’t think they are ready, I don’t think it is time yet. But I am willing to listen. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
Trump Reiterates US Position on Iran’s Nuclear Program
The US president emphasized that any future agreement with Tehran would hinge on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, maintaining Washington’s longstanding position on the issue.
Iranian authorities, however, have consistently denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons, insisting that the country’s nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Conflict Continues Despite Earlier Ceasefire Understanding
The remarks come against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding that called for an immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, the ceasefire proved short-lived. On the night of July 8, the United States resumed large-scale military strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the terms of the agreement by actions related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic Channels Remain Open Amid Escalation
Despite the continuing military confrontation, Trump’s latest remarks indicate that diplomatic communication between Washington and Tehran has not been completely severed. While prospects for an immediate breakthrough remain uncertain, both sides appear to be maintaining limited channels of engagement as regional tensions persist.
BY: The Times Union
