Trump Warns Iran as Nuclear Talks Stall

Washington DC. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out as talks to end the war have stalled. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, 'It is better for them to move quickly, otherwise nothing will be left of them,' and emphasized that 'time is very important.' This message came before President Trump's conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Meanwhile, Iranian media have reported that the US has not been able to offer any concrete concessions in response to Tehran's latest proposals for ending the conflict. The semi-official Mehr news agency reported that the talks would stall if there was a lack of agreement from Washington. This new message comes in the same vein as Trump's threat in early April, just before the ceasefire was announced, that a whole civilization would be destroyed if Iran did not agree to a deal to end the war. President Trump had also warned earlier this week that the ceasefire was in serious crisis after he completely rejected Tehran's demands. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghei claimed that his demands were responsible and generous. According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, those demands include an immediate end to the war on all fronts, an end to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and a guarantee that there will be no further attacks on Iran. Ending the war on all fronts refers to the Israeli attack on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. In addition, Iran's demands include compensation for war damages and emphasis on Iranian sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency on Sunday, Washington has put forward five conditions in response to Iran's proposal. These include Iran being allowed to operate only one nuclear facility and handing over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US. Trump had indicated on Friday that he would accept Iran suspending its nuclear program for 20 years, which has been a major point of contention between the two countries. This confirms that Trump has backed down from his previous stance of demanding a complete halt to the nuclear program. Israeli and US forces launched a major air attack on Iran on February 28. Although there has been occasional shelling during the ceasefire, which was intended to facilitate talks, it has been largely observed. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is transported, maintaining its control. This move by Iran to retaliate against the US and Israeli attack has caused oil prices to rise worldwide. On the other hand, the US is imposing a blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran to accept its conditions. Although Pakistan is playing the role of mediator between the US and Iran, both sides still appear to be far apart.