'The clock is ticking': Trump warns Iran as talks stall
Trump described Iran’s recent counter-proposals as "garbage" and said "time is of the essence," signalling growing frustration in Washington over the lack of progress in talks mediated by Pakistan
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that "the clock is ticking" as negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict remained deadlocked, according to remarks posted on Truth Social.
Trump described Iran's recent counter-proposals as "garbage" and said "time is of the essence," signalling growing frustration in Washington over the lack of progress in talks mediated by Pakistan, says the BBC.
The conflict escalated on 28 February, 2024, when US and Israeli forces launched large-scale air strikes against Iran. A ceasefire reached in early April was intended to create space for peace negotiations, but Trump recently said the truce was on "massive life support" as discussions stalled.
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Despite sporadic exchanges of fire, the ceasefire has largely held, though major disagreements remain unresolved.
Iran has described its proposals in the talks as "responsible" and "generous." Tehran is seeking an immediate end to the conflict on all fronts, including Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, guarantees against future attacks and compensation for war damages, as well as recognised sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has reportedly presented five conditions centred largely on Iran's nuclear programme. Among them are demands that Iran keep only one nuclear site operational and transfer its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States.
In a shift from earlier calls for a complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear programme, Trump indicated he could accept a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear activities.
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets because of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane through which roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Iran has effectively closed the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks, contributing to a sharp rise in global oil prices.
The United States continues to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into accepting its terms.
Trump was scheduled to discuss the developments with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday as the allies coordinate their next steps.
