Trump ‘not happy’ with Iran as more talks on nuclear programme expected
Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a far-reaching deal to constrain its nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump said he is “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, Mr Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a far-reaching deal on its nuclear programme, 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,” Mr Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Friday.
“I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens. We’re talking later.
“We’re not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons.”
Mr 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,” Mr Trump replied.
“You know, when there’s war, there’s a risk of anything, both good and bad.”
US secretary of state Marco Rubio plans to make a quick trip to Israel early next week, 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 signalling that US military action might be imminent.
The announcement of Mr Rubio’s visit, and Mr Trump’s latest remarks, could indicate a longer timeline for any potential strike.
The State Department said Mr Rubio would visit Israel on Monday and Tuesday to “discuss a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza”.
It offered no other details.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long urged tougher US action against Iran, and has warned that Israel will respond to any Iranian attack.
A confidential report from the UN nuclear watchdog meanwhile confirmed that Iran has not offered inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during the 12-day war launched by Israel last June.
As a result, it said it could not confirm Iran’s claims that it stopped uranium enrichment after the US and Israeli strikes.
The report was circulated to member countries and seen by The Associated Press.
The announcement of Mr Rubio’s visit came just hours after the US embassy in Jerusalem implemented “authorised departure” status for non-essential personnel and family members, which means that eligible staffers can leave the country voluntarily at government expense.
In an email, US ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff considering departure to do so quickly, advising them to focus on getting any flight out of Israel and to then make their way to Washington.
“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Mr Huckabee wrote, using an acronym for “authorised departure”.
“While there may be outbound flights over the coming days, there may not be,” he added.
The email was recounted to The Associated Press by someone involved with the US mission who was not authorised to share details.
On a town-hall meeting on Friday after the email was sent, Mr Huckabee told staff that he was encouraging airlines to keep flying.
