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Trump issues ultimatum to Iran over nuclear talks
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that its window to negotiate a nuclear agreement is closing, as a substantial American naval fleet advances toward the Persian Gulf. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Tehran to "Come to the Table" swiftly, emphasizing that the US seeks a "fair and equitable deal" without nuclear weapons.
Massive US military deployment underway
Trump described the naval force as a "massive Armada" moving with "great power, enthusiasm, and purpose." He compared its scale to a previous deployment near Venezuela, adding that it stands ready to act "with speed and violence, if necessary." A US defense official confirmed to BBC Verify that the USS Abraham Lincoln leads the fleet, which has now reached the Middle East.
Iran responds with defiance and diplomatic conditions
Iran's UN mission stated that Tehran remains open to dialogue "based on mutual respect and interests" but warned, in capital letters, that it would "DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE" if provoked. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state television, dismissed military threats as ineffective for diplomacy. He insisted the US must abandon "excessive demands" and "illogical issues" to enable meaningful negotiations.
Nuclear tensions escalate after 2025 US strikes
Trump referenced last June's US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites-Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan-during Israel's 12-day conflict with Hamas. Codenamed "Midnight Hammer," the operation reportedly delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions, though Iran's state broadcaster claimed the facilities had already been emptied of critical materials. Trump cautioned that any future attack would be "far worse."
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at a US base in Qatar, an assault Trump dismissed as "very weak" and "expected." Iran maintains its nuclear program is purely peaceful, a claim the US disputes.
Human rights crisis overshadows nuclear standoff
Trump previously pledged to "rescue" protesters amid Iran's crackdown on demonstrations that began in late December. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has verified over 6,000 deaths, including 5,858 protesters, with investigations ongoing into an additional 17,000 reported fatalities despite an internet blackout. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group warns the final toll could surpass 25,000.
"Conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful."
Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister
