Trump Questions Iran’s Defiance as Nuclear Negotiations Continue Amid Rising Military Tensions
US President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed puzzlement over Iran’s refusal to yield despite Washington’s growing military footprint in the Middle East, according to his special envoy Steve Witkoff.
In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff explained that the president is not irritated but rather intrigued by Tehran’s stance as diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear activities moves forward.
He suggested that, given the scale of American naval and air assets deployed in the region, the administration expected stronger signals from Iran indicating a willingness to abandon any ambitions of developing nuclear weapons.
Witkoff indicated that the White House believes the pressure campaign — bolstered by aircraft carriers, destroyers and fighter squadrons positioned near Iranian waters — should have prompted Tehran to outline concrete assurances regarding its nuclear programme.
Diplomacy Still in Play
Western governments remain concerned that Iran may be edging closer to acquiring nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Tehran firmly rejects.
Indirect negotiations between American and Iranian representatives were recently convened in Geneva, with both parties describing the discussions as constructive.
Oman, serving as an intermediary, has confirmed that another round of dialogue is scheduled in Geneva later this week.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News that diplomacy remains viable if approached as a mutually beneficial process.
He revealed that Tehran is drafting a potential framework for an agreement to present to the US side.
Despite cautious optimism, President Trump recently stated that clarity on whether a deal would materialise — or whether Washington might resort to military options — would emerge within the next ten days.
Expanded US Military Deployment
In recent weeks, the United States has reinforced its forces in the region.
The aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln, along with accompanying warships and combat aircraft, have been dispatched to strategic waters, signalling Washington’s readiness to escalate if talks collapse.
Witkoff implied that such a formidable show of strength was intended to encourage Tehran toward clearer commitments.
Domestic Unrest in Iran
Meanwhile, internal tensions continue to simmer within Iran. Demonstrations have erupted across several academic institutions in Tehran and other cities.
Verified footage showed students gathering at Sharif University of Technology, where confrontations reportedly occurred between critics of the government and its supporters.
Protests were also reported at Iran University of Science and Technology, Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.
Some demonstrators displayed the Lion and Sun banner — a pre-1979 emblem associated with Iran’s monarchy — while chanting slogans supporting the former royal order.
In contrast, pro-government rallies featured the burning of American and Israeli flags.
The gatherings were held in remembrance of thousands reported killed during unrest last month.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has estimated fatalities at over 7,000, including civilians and security personnel, while Iranian officials have provided a significantly lower figure of around 3,100 deaths.
President Trump has previously voiced sympathy for Iranian protesters, suggesting that assistance could be forthcoming.
As diplomatic channels remain open, both Washington and Tehran face a delicate balancing act — weighing negotiation against the possibility of confrontation in an already volatile region.
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