Trump again warns Iran: You must not have nuclear weapons

(Patria) - U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated yesterday that he does not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons, ahead of the second round of high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Iran taking place this weekend, CNN reports.

- I am in favor of preventing Iran, very simply, from possessing nuclear weapons. They must not have nuclear weapons. I want Iran to be great, prosperous and magnificent - Trump told reporters when asked whether he would be open to Iran retaining its nuclear program.

- As for Iran, they must not have nuclear weapons, and if they do, you will be very unhappy. You will be very unhappy - Trump said.

For some time, the Trump administration has been inconsistent in setting stricter conditions toward Iran, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling on Tehran to completely dismantle its entire nuclear program, not just its military component.

Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who represented the U.S. in indirect talks with Iran last weekend, stated that any final agreement would require Iran to "stop and eliminate its enrichment and nuclear weapons development program."

Trump, who recently warned that the U.S. would resort to Israeli-backed military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran fails to reach a deal with its interlocutors, withdrew the U.S. from the Iranian nuclear deal previously negotiated by the Obama administration in 2018.

Witkoff is expected to hold talks with the Iranian delegation in Rome today, mediated by Omani officials.