Trump's Shifting Timelines Fuel Uncertainty Over Iran Deal

The timeline for a potential agreement between the United States and Iran concerning Iran's nuclear program remains fluid, with former President Donald Trump offering shifting deadlines. Trump initially suggested a breakthrough could occur 'within days' but later revised this to 'within two weeks.' He expressed optimism during a campaign event, stating that Iran was willing to make concessions and forgo nuclear weapons, predicting a 'true victory' within the next two weeks. However, he later offered yet another timeline, suggesting an agreement was 'two to three days' away after attending a basketball game.

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We are negotiating now, and they want to make a very good deal. They are willing to give everything up, and they are willing to not have nuclear weapons.

These evolving statements come amid reports that Trump had informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an imminent breakthrough in nuclear negotiations. According to The New York Times, Trump told Netanyahu that the U.S. and Iran would reach a resolution on long-term nuclear negotiations within days. CNN reported that Israel had been preparing for further significant attacks on Tehran but canceled these plans at Trump's urging.

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We will be truly victorious when we declare complete victory in the next two weeks.

Iran, while open to negotiations, has expressed skepticism about the U.S. commitment. An Iranian parliamentary official noted that the U.S. has not shown genuine intent, particularly regarding the release of frozen Iranian assets as initially agreed. The official reiterated that the current negotiations are separate from Iran's nuclear program.

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The United States is not showing serious intent.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, the potential for conflict between Israel and Iran persists. The Iranian military announced a halt to military operations against Israel but warned of a 'much stronger and more destructive response' if Israel continued its attacks, including in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that while attacks on the current front have stopped, Israel would respond forcefully if Iran attacked again. The situation in Lebanon remains a critical variable, with reports indicating that Israel attacked the Lebanese city of Tyre shortly after Iran announced its operational pause, resulting in casualties.

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The attacks on this front have stopped for now. But if the Iranian regime makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond strongly.