Trump Urges Iran to Negotiate With US, Warns of ‘Consequences’ if Talks Fail

US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified pressure on Iran to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington, warning that Tehran “knows the consequences” if negotiations fail. His remarks came amid ongoing talks between US and Iranian representatives held in Muscat, Oman.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said a “large fleet” was heading toward the region and claimed Iran was eager to make a deal but needed to “get in position.” He described the ongoing discussions as “very good” and suggested that any new agreement would be significantly different from past arrangements.

“We’ve had excellent discussions about Iran. Iran appears to have a strong desire to reach an agreement. This time, it won’t be the same,” Trump said. “Our large fleet is moving in that direction and should arrive there shortly. We’ll see how that works out.”

Trump added that while a deal was possible, Tehran would need to act promptly. “You have to get in position. We have plenty of time,” he said.

Linking Iran to other global negotiations, Trump said, “Our discussions with Russia, Ukraine, and Iran are going extremely well. Iran is interested in reaching an agreement, and they ought to do so. They know the consequences if they don’t.”

He reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remained a non-negotiable condition for any deal. “Iran wants to negotiate, and they should. A deal could have been made years ago, but they didn’t want to do it then. They know the consequences if they don’t,” he said.

Iran’s Response on US Talks

Iranian officials struck a more measured tone, saying talks with the United States had begun positively. A senior Iranian diplomat said negotiations, mediated by Oman, were off to a “good start” and would continue.

Speaking to Reuters, the diplomat said Tehran was willing to discuss issues such as the “level and purity” of uranium enrichment, as well as alternative arrangements including a possible regional consortium.

Following the Muscat talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that Diplomacy must be free from coercion.

“Any dialogue requires refraining from threats and pressure,” Araqchi said, adding that Iran would limit discussions strictly to its nuclear program and would not expand talks to other issues.

“There is an agreement to continue the dialogue. The capitals will decide how to coordinate the next steps. If this process continues, I believe we will reach a solid framework for understanding,” he added.

Trump on Russia–Ukraine War

Trump also commented on the war in Ukraine, saying the United States had held “very, very good talks” with Russia and Ukraine and suggesting that developments could be imminent.

He indicated that US and Ukrainian negotiators had discussed an ambitious goal of reaching a peace agreement by March.

According to five people familiar with the private discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, any potential agreement would likely be subject to a public vote in Ukraine, possibly held alongside national Elections.