Trump warns Iran’s Khamenei ‘should be very worried’ as talks stall

President Donald Trump has directed a blunt warning toward Iran's leadership, stating that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei "should be very worried" as diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear talks encounter significant obstacles. In an interview excerpt, Trump linked the warning to ongoing negotiations while highlighting past US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Deadlock Over Negotiation Terms

The warning coincides with a reported impasse over the logistics of proposed talks. According to sources cited by Axios, the US has rejected Iranian demands to alter the location and format of discussions originally planned for Istanbul, Türkiye. A senior US official was quoted stating, "We told them it is this or nothing, and they said, 'Ok, then nothing'." While Iranian media suggested Oman's capital, Muscat, as a new venue, the US position appears to favor the original framework involving regional partners.

Türkiye's Role and US Diplomatic Stance

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the uncertainty, noting, "We thought we had an established forum that had been agreed to in Türkiye." He emphasized that any dialogue must comprehensively address Iran's ballistic missile program, nuclear activities, and regional behavior. Türkiye has been actively involved in recent mediation efforts, though the current deadlock puts its prospective role as host in doubt.

Context of Military Pressure and Past Actions

Trump's remarks were made against the backdrop of a substantial US military buildup in the region, intended to pressure Tehran. He defended his decision to order strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, claiming it brought peace to the Middle East by eliminating a threat that Arab nations feared. This combination of military posturing and conditional diplomacy defines the current high-stakes approach to Iran.