The White House signals renewed negotiations with Iran as its foreign minister heads to Geneva for talks with European leaders. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the urgency of curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions while addressing concerns about potential U.S. military involvement. The administration remains open to diplomacy but firm on terms, emphasizing the need for no uranium enrichment.
As speculations rise over a potential military strike by President Donald Trump on Iran, the White House is signaling a considerable opportunity for renewed negotiations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Geneva to meet European officials this coming Friday. This news follows six rounds of talks between U.S. and Iranian dignitaries amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel, which ignited on June 13.
While addressing reporters, Leavitt could not confirm whether U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would attend the Geneva discussions. When asked by Fox News if Iranian officials managing to reach Geneva indicated they might engage directly with the White House, Leavitt replied, “I am not going to get into hypotheticals… they have expressed interest in doing so.”
It’s noteworthy that Leavitt shared a message from Trump concerning his timeline for possible military involvement, outlining a decision based on the developments of these anticipated negotiations. “There’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place… I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” she stated. Despite hoping for diplomacy, Leavitt reiterated the U.S. position on any potential agreements—particularly emphasizing that there should be no uranium enrichment from Iran as it could advance their nuclear weapons program.
Leavitt continued to assert the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring, “Iran has never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon.” She elaborated that Iran could weaponize its knowledge with just a decision from their supreme leader, cautioning that it would only take a few weeks to manufacture such a weapon, which could threaten not just Israel but the United States and globally. The urgency of these discussions emerges as she emphasized, “Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon.”
On the other hand, Leavitt insisted that Iran remains incapable of developing an actual nuclear weapon, stressing that the offers made to them by Special Envoy Witkoff were sensible and reasonable. “Iran can and should make a deal to end the conflict or they will face grave consequences,” she warned, noting Iran’s precarious position due to Israeli attacks and strikes.
The upcoming negotiations will involve notable European leaders, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Barrot commented that France, Britain, and Germany are prepared to leverage their expertise to negotiate with Iran, aiming for a significant reduction of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a meeting with Lammy, where they acknowledged the critical nature of preventing Iran from developing nuclear arms, as per a State Department statement. In follow-up to queries about U.S. negotiations with Iran, a White House representative pointed back to Leavitt’s earlier remarks during the briefing.
In summary, the upcoming talks in Geneva represent a pivotal moment for U.S.-Iran relations amid heightened tensions. As Iran prepares for discussions with European leaders, the White House expresses cautious optimism while underscoring the necessity of curbing Iran’s nuclear program. With the stakes high, President Trump’s administration appears ready to explore all diplomatic avenues, yet maintains a firm stance against any uranium enrichment.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
