U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon," ahead of weekend talks concerning Iran's nuclear program.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "I want Iran to be a great, wonderful, and happy country. But they cannot have a nuclear weapon."
اضافة اعلان
His remarks came just hours before his envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman.
Meanwhile, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader confirmed on Friday that Tehran is seeking a “real and fair” agreement in its negotiations with the United States over its nuclear file on Saturday.
On the eve of the anticipated talks, Ali Shamkhani—currently an advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council—wrote on platform X:
“Iran’s Foreign Minister is heading to Oman with full authority to conduct indirect negotiations with America. Away from showmanship and public speeches, Tehran is aiming to reach a real and fair agreement.”
He added: “Important and practical proposals are ready. If Washington genuinely enters the agreement, the path to a deal will be smooth.”
However, the White House confirmed on Friday that the U.S.-Iran talks will be direct.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters, “These will be direct talks with the Iranians—I want that to be absolutely clear,” adding, “The president believes in diplomacy and direct discussions, speaking face to face in the same room.”
Tensions escalated on Thursday, when Shamkhani warned of “deterrent measures” should threats against Iran continue, including the possible expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. This followed Trump’s warning of potential military action if no deal is reached.
