US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Thursday, cautioning of severe consequences if they fail to reach a nuclear agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubts regarding the potential effectiveness of such a deal.
Following his meeting with Netanyahu at the White House, Trump emphasized the urgency of reaching a resolution in the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Trump emphasized the need for a deal within the next month to avert what he described as a “very traumatic” situation for Iran if an agreement is not reached.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Pentagon reportedly deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise. This move follows the recent deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its accompanying naval fleet to the Gulf region in response to Iran’s actions.
Trump reiterated that if negotiations fail, a tougher approach, referred to as “phase two,” will be pursued, indicating a challenging path ahead for Iran. Netanyahu had urged Trump to take a firmer stance in the talks, particularly concerning Iran’s ballistic missile program. Despite their discussions, Trump emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations rather than pursuing a more aggressive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government announced the formation of a commission to investigate the recent protests that erupted over economic grievances but evolved into anti-government demonstrations resulting in numerous casualties. The fact-finding committee, composed of representatives from relevant institutions, is tasked with gathering information and testimonies related to the protests. The commission’s findings will be made public, potentially leading to further legal actions.
President Masoud Pezeskhian confirmed the government’s initiative to investigate the underlying causes of the unrest, with a focus on the events that transpired from late December to January 8, resulting in over 3,000 fatalities according to official reports.