US President Donald Trump has said Washington has set no deadline for Iran to return to the negotiating table, stressing that the United States is in no hurry to resume talks with Tehran.
Speaking to Arab media, Trump said Iran had not been given a specific timeframe to return to negotiations. “I’m in no hurry,” he said, adding that he had not set any deadline for Tehran.
Trump also claimed that the United States was making significant progress while Iran continued to face growing economic difficulties. He pointed to rising inflation, pressure on the Iranian economy and what he described as the government’s failure to treat its people properly.
The US president further argued that both economic pressure and military action against Iran were producing results. His remarks indicate that Washington intends to maintain pressure on Tehran rather than immediately push for a new round of negotiations.
Trump’s latest comments also appear tougher than some of his earlier statements about the conflict. Since the war began, he has repeatedly suggested that the confrontation could end relatively quickly. At one point, he indicated that he expected the conflict to conclude within four to six weeks.
The war is set to complete six months this Friday, marking a prolonged period of confrontation between the United States and Iran.
In June, Washington and Tehran reached a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at creating a framework for easing tensions. The arrangement covered issues including the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, possible sanctions relief for Iran and the launch of discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The 60-day understanding expired earlier this month, leaving several major issues unresolved. With no new deadline for talks, uncertainty remains over when Iran and the United States might return to negotiations and whether diplomatic efforts can reduce tensions between the two countries.
Trump’s latest statement suggests that the US administration is prepared to continue its economic and military pressure while waiting for Tehran to decide whether and when it is ready to re-enter negotiations.
