Trump accuses Iran leadership of ‘unprecedented’ double-dealing as nuclear talks stall

US President Donald Trump has blamed Iran’s leadership for inconsistent negotiating tactics, accusing them of vacillating on discussions about resuming diplomatic engagement. Trump claimed that Iranian officials repeatedly request meetings and initiate talks only to deny they have substantive negotiations underway. The accusations come amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and the effectiveness of American sanctions policy.

In a statement that underscores the volatile nature of current US-Iran relations, Trump declared that no relief from economic sanctions would be granted to Iran “unless there is a deal struck or complete capitulation.” The comment reflects the hardline stance his administration has maintained since withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018.

The latest remarks represent another shift in Trump’s approach to Iran diplomacy. His negotiating strategy has been marked by frequent changes in tone and demands, ranging from calls for direct talks to threats of military action. Critics and observers have pointed to this inconsistency as a complicating factor in diplomatic efforts, though Trump’s team contends that unpredictability is a negotiating tool designed to pressure Tehran into concessions.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.