Latest news with #JointComprehensivePlanofAction
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
DeSantis raises concerns about Trump's negotiations with Iran: ‘Hazardous'
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced skepticism about President Trump's negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, arguing that the theocratic regime can't be trusted. The Sunshine State governor warned that 'trying to cut a deal with Iran' is 'hazardous,' and emphasized that Tehran is 'not a traditional country' that can be treated in a 'traditional way.' 'I don't see them as being good faith actors and in any way, shape or form. And the reality is they cannot be allowed to enrich uranium, period. End of story,' DeSantis told conservative radio host Mark Levin. 'They are a militant Islamic government. Their view of mutual destruction with nuclear weapons is actually something they think would be fine because they think they're all going to go to heaven in paradise if that happens.' Earlier this year, Trump penned a missive to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei telling the Ayatollah that he wants to see a deal to resolve the nuclear issue 'very soon.' 3 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has long been a staunch defender of Israel. 3 In addition to its nuclear program, the US has been alarmed by Iran's funding of terrorist activity in the Middle East. via REUTERS In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated under the Obama administration and hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility of a military response if Iran obtains a nuke, which experts fear could spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. DeSantis contended that, unlike the Soviet Union, which believed a nuclear war was 'not very appealing,' Iran's leaders feel that such an exchange with Israel could be 'doing the will of Allah.' Notably, back in March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the Senate Intelligence Committee that Iran 'is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.' Trump's effort to cut a deal with Iran has caused some friction with Israel, which is very dead set on preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. 'I told [Benjamin Netanyahu] this would be very inappropriate to do right now because we're very close to a solution,' Trump told reporters Wednesday, confirming reports that he warned the Israeli prime minister not to attack Iran during negotiations. During Trump's three-country swing through the Middle East earlier this month, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates all expressed opposition to attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, Axios reported. All three were concerned their countries would be subject to retaliation from Iran in part because they host US military bases. 3 President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran amid negotiations. REUTERS DeSantis also credited Israel for being foundational to Western civilization. 'You could trace back the history of Western civilization all the way back to the ancient state of Israel and the birth of both Judaism and Christianity, and we wouldn't have the United States of America if it didn't trace back to that,' the Florida governor argued.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
US and Iran Nuclear Deal Could Be Sealed at Next Meeting: Report
A nuclear deal between the United States and Iran could be finalized as early as the next round of negotiations, according to a Thursday report from CNN. The potential breakthrough follows years of stalled talks and comes with heightened regional concerns, particularly from Israel. President Donald Trump told reporters that negotiations were "very close to a solution" and warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against preemptive strikes against Iran, calling such actions "inappropriate." Newsweek has reached out the State Department for comment. The outcome of these talks could reshape diplomatic and military dynamics across the Middle East. A successful deal may ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran and reopen diplomatic pathways that were closed after Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, Israel's posture suggests that a military response remains on the table should it perceive an existential threat. According to CNN, the latest talks center on a potential U.S. investment in Iran's civilian nuclear program. Under this arrangement, uranium enrichment would be conducted by a multilateral organization consisting of several Middle Eastern nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). No final agreement has been reached, and the structure remains under negotiation. The talks had previously hit a deadlock over Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Moreover, the proposed deal does not currently include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile development or its backing of proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. These omissions mirror what critics objected to in the 2015 JCPOA. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, said that "the jury is still out" on the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over Tehran's advancing nuclear program, but described the ongoing talks as a positive sign. Grossi noted that he is in near-daily contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and regularly speaks with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, who head their respective delegations. So far, Iran and the U.S. have held five rounds of negotiations in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, with a sixth round yet to be scheduled. The talks aim to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for easing some of the severe U.S. economic sanctions, as the two countries navigate nearly five decades of strained relations. U.S. President Donald Trump: "I want it very strong where we can go in with inspectors. We can take whatever we want, we can blow up whatever we want, but nobody getting killed. We can blow up a lab, but nobody's going to be in the lab, as opposed to everybody being in the lab and blowing it up." IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi: "For the moment, the jury is still out. We don't know whether there's going to be an agreement or not," Negotiators are expected to meet again soon, though Israel's response-and any military developments-remain key variables. Related Articles Trump Says Iran Strike Would Be 'Inappropriate' for Israel Amid TalksChina's Military Presence Grows on Doorstep of New U.S. PartnerFive Signs Trump and Netanyahu's Relationship is WorseningIsrael Plans Iran Attack Even if Trump Reaches Nuclear Deal: Report 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Iran Working On Nuclear Weapons Capable Of Long-Range Strikes: Report
New Delhi: Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapons programme capable of launching missiles over long distances, a new Austrian intelligence report has claimed. The assessment by Austria's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the country's domestic intelligence agency, directly contradicts the position of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). "In order to assert and enforce its regional political power ambitions, the Islamic Republic of Iran is striving for comprehensive rearmament, with nuclear weapons to make the regime immune to attack and to expand and consolidate its dominance in the Middle East and beyond," the Austrian report said on Monday, as per Fox News. The report added that "the Iranian nuclear weapons development programme is well advanced, and Iran possesses a growing arsenal of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads over long distances." The 211-page Austrian intelligence report mentions the threat posed by Iran 99 times. It identifies the Iranian embassy in Vienna as one of the largest in Europe and alleges that it "disguises intelligence officers with diplomatic" cover. "Iranian intelligence services are familiar with developing and implementing circumvention strategies for the procurement of military equipment, proliferation-sensitive technologies, and materials for weapons of mass destruction," the agency said. The report also references a 2021 conviction in Belgium of Asadollah Asadi, a former Iranian diplomat based in Vienna, for planning to bomb a 2018 opposition rally outside Paris. The event was attended by tens of thousands of Iranian dissidents, including Rudy Giuliani, who then served as Trump's personal attorney. This stands in contrast to the US view. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in March that the American intelligence community "continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme he suspended in 2003." The Austrian agency also alleged that "Iran has developed sophisticated sanctions-evasion networks, which has benefited Russia." The latest findings could complicate efforts by US President Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to negotiate with Tehran over its nuclear activities. Responding to the report, a White House official told Fox News, "President Trump is committed to Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon or the capacity to build one." In 2023, European intelligence agencies found Iran continuing to bypass US and EU sanctions to acquire technology needed for its nuclear weapons programme, with intentions to test an atomic bomb. These efforts reportedly took place both before and after the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. The Austrian report also said that Iran continues to arm groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and Syrian militias, all of which are designated terrorist organisations by the US.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
US and Iran Nuclear Deal Could Be Sealed at Next Meeting: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A nuclear deal between the United States and Iran could be finalized as early as the next round of negotiations, according to a Thursday report from CNN. The potential breakthrough follows years of stalled talks and comes with heightened regional concerns, particularly from Israel. President Donald Trump told reporters that negotiations were "very close to a solution" and warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against preemptive strikes against Iran, calling such actions "inappropriate." Newsweek has reached out the State Department for comment. Why It Matters The outcome of these talks could reshape diplomatic and military dynamics across the Middle East. A successful deal may ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran and reopen diplomatic pathways that were closed after Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, Israel's posture suggests that a military response remains on the table should it perceive an existential threat. This handout image supplied by the IIPA (Iran International Photo Agency) shows a view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on August 21, 2010... This handout image supplied by the IIPA (Iran International Photo Agency) shows a view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr, southern to Know According to CNN, the latest talks center on a potential U.S. investment in Iran's civilian nuclear program. Under this arrangement, uranium enrichment would be conducted by a multilateral organization consisting of several Middle Eastern nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). No final agreement has been reached, and the structure remains under negotiation. The talks had previously hit a deadlock over Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Moreover, the proposed deal does not currently include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile development or its backing of proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. These omissions mirror what critics objected to in the 2015 JCPOA. IAEA Weighs In Rafael Mariano Grossi, director-general of the IAEA, said that "the jury is still out" on the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over Tehran's advancing nuclear program, but described the ongoing talks as a positive sign. Grossi noted that he is in near-daily contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and regularly speaks with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, who head their respective delegations. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to journalists attending a weeklong seminar at the agency in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to journalists attending a weeklong seminar at the agency in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Jon Gambrell/AP Photo Ongoing Talks So far, Iran and the U.S. have held five rounds of negotiations in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, with a sixth round yet to be scheduled. The talks aim to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for easing some of the severe U.S. economic sanctions, as the two countries navigate nearly five decades of strained relations. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump: "I want it very strong where we can go in with inspectors. We can take whatever we want, we can blow up whatever we want, but nobody getting killed. We can blow up a lab, but nobody's going to be in the lab, as opposed to everybody being in the lab and blowing it up." IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi: "For the moment, the jury is still out. We don't know whether there's going to be an agreement or not," What Happens Next Negotiators are expected to meet again soon, though Israel's response—and any military developments—remain key variables.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Donald Trump says he told Netanyahu not to bomb Iran with new nuke deal ‘very close': ‘Don't think it's appropriate right now'
President Trump confirmed Wednesday that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week not to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities to allow additional time for talks between Washington and Tehran. 'I'd like to be honest. Yes, I did,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'I said I don't think it's appropriate. We're talking, we're having very good discussions with them. And I said I don't think it's appropriate right now… if we can settle it with a very strong document,' the president added. 'I told [Netanyahu] this would be inappropriate to do right now because we're very close to a solution. Now, that could change at any moment. It could change with a phone call, but right now, I think they want to make a deal, and if we can make a deal, it could save a lot of lives.' Trump spoke with Netanyahu Thursday and said Sunday that there had been promising talks with Iranian leaders over the weekend, suggesting that a potential deal that would restrict Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon could be announced within days. On Wednesday, the president clarified Wednesday it could happen in 'the next couple weeks.' Trump also sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to speak to Netanyahu in Israel over the weekend, where she urged him to follow America's plan in a 'candid' conversation. '[T]he Secretary reiterated [Trump's] desire to bring peace to the region and for Iran to never have a nuclear weapon,' a readout of their meeting read. Trump pulled the US out of former President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Since retaking power in January, he has ordered the strict enforcement of US sanctions, including against oil exports, which was largely unenforced during the Biden administration. Trump said a potential deal would be 'very strong' compared to Obama's 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the US entered alongside China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom. 'I don't trust anybody, so no trust. I want it very strong where we can go in with inspectors,' he said. 'We can take whatever we want, we can blow up whatever we want, but nobody getting killed. We can blow up a lab, but nobody's going to be in the lab, as opposed to everybody being in the lab and blowing it up.' Vice President JD Vance has suggested that a deal could be negotiated to allow Tehran to have a civil nuclear program be part of the 'global economy' again — but they would have to give up their plans for an atomic weapon. 'That would be really good for the Iranian people, but would result in the complete cessation of any chance that they can get a nuclear weapon. That's what we're negotiating towards,' Vance told the Munich Leaders Conference earlier this month. 'As the President has said, that's Option A and Option B — if Option A is very good for the Iranian people and even, you know, some of the folks, the leadership in Iran — option B is very bad. "It's very bad for everybody, and it's not what we want, but it's better than option C, which is Iran getting a nuclear weapon. That is what is completely off the table for the American administration. No ifs, ands, or buts.' Originally published as Donald Trump says he told Netanyahu not to bomb Iran with new nuke deal 'very close': 'Don't think it's appropriate right now'
