On May 17, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, "There is not much time left regarding the Iran issue. Iran must move quickly; otherwise, there will be nothing left." He emphasized that "time is of the essence."
In a phone interview with Axios on the same day, Trump further pressured Iran, saying, "If Iran does not present a better deal, it will face much stronger consequences." He added, "We want a deal, but they are not where we need them to be. They must reach that point."
The U.S. has been demanding that Iran reduce its nuclear program and normalize navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has largely resisted these demands, and discussions through mediating countries have yet to yield significant breakthroughs.
While Trump did not specify a deadline for negotiations, his comments urging Iran to act quickly suggest a potential for increased military action if Iran does not comply. This warning follows Trump's recent emphasis on the principles of preventing Iranian nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz after announcing the outcomes of a U.S.-China summit.
Tensions in the Middle East are rising. According to Axios, Trump discussed the situation in Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 17. U.S. officials indicated that Trump is scheduled to meet with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on May 19 to discuss military options.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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