Trump says Iran is being ‘more aggressive’ in nuclear negotiations

The nuclear talks between the US and Iran have been disrupted over disagreements concerning Iran’s enrichment of uranium, with the Islamic Republic insisting it will continue to do so.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US President Donald Trump told Fox News that Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive during negotiations concerning its nuclear program.

“Iran is acting much differently in negotiations than it did just days ago… much more aggressive. It’s surprising to me. It’s disappointing, but we are set to meet again tomorrow. We’ll see,” Trump said.

The nuclear talks between the US and Iran have been disrupted over disagreements concerning Iran’s enrichment of uranium, with the Islamic Republic insisting it will continue to do so.

After rejecting the most recent US offer, Iran is expected to present a counter proposal in the coming days.

On Monday, Trump described Iran as “tough negotiators,” reiterating his demand that Iran be prevented from enriching uranium within its borders.

However, the most recent nuclear proposal would allow Iran to enrich uranium temporarily before phasing it out.

The sixth round of talks is scheduled for this weekend as the US anticipates Tehran’s counter offer.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced at a press conference that the Islamic Republic will soon present its nuclear proposal after rejecting the previous one.

“We strongly recommend the American side not to waste this opportunity — it’s in their own interest to take it seriously,” he said.

Baghaei emphasized that uranium enrichment is a “strategic necessity” for Iran’s nuclear industry and essential to the country’s national interests. It defends the country “against excessive foreign demands” and “pressures that go beyond legal and international norms,” he said.

“It cannot be said in any way that every country that engages in enrichment necessarily has a weapons program,” the Iranian diplomat added. “Currently, many countries, including some US allies, are engaged in enrichment but do not have any military or weapons programs.”

Last week, Iranian officials called the US proposal “unprofessional and untechnical” for its failure to address the lifting of sanctions against Iran.