Agencies | Washington:
US President Donald Trump on Monday launched a fresh attack on Iran’s leadership, accusing Tehran of sending contradictory signals over negotiations while reiterating that the country would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
In a statement, Trump alleged that Iranian leaders were privately seeking talks with the United States while publicly denying that any negotiations were taking place.
“Iranian leadership is unbelievably duplicitous,” Trump said, claiming that while Iranian officials had sought a meeting and discussions were scheduled, they continued to publicly insist that no talks were underway and that they were dealing only through Oman.
The US President also criticised Iran’s statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategically important waterway remained under the effective control of the United States Navy.
“They then go on to give their usual blather in saying the Strait of Hormuz will be operated powerfully by them, when it is already completely controlled by the United States Navy,” Trump said.
He further claimed that no goods would enter or leave Iran without US approval unless a negotiated settlement was reached.
“Nothing gets through to Iran unless we want it to, and nothing will get through unless a deal, or total surrender, is accomplished,” he said.
Reaffirming his long-standing position on Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump declared that “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump’s remarks come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear activities and broader regional security issues. Despite the sharp rhetoric, both sides have, at various points, indicated a willingness to pursue diplomatic engagement through intermediaries, including Oman.
