President Trump reportedly stated on Friday that it will be “extremely difficult” to halt Israel’s war against Iran in order to facilitate direct negotiations with the United States.
He also acknowledged that Israel is “doing well” in its endeavors to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program.
Two European diplomats with direct knowledge of the discussions have reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed his European counterparts on Friday that Iran will not engage in direct negotiations with the United States as long as Israel continues its military campaign.
Trump indicated that he “might” endorse a ceasefire “subject to the circumstances,” but he also emphasized that it may not be feasible due to the fact that Israel is “performing exceptionally well in terms of war, while Iran is performing less well.”
The first in-person engagement between Iran and Western powers since Israel initiated its conflict a week ago was Araghchi’s meeting in Geneva with top diplomats from the European Union, France, the U.K., and Germany.
The meeting transpired one day following Trump’s declaration that he would render a determination regarding Iran’s nuclear program “within the next two weeks,” thereby permitting a diplomatic resolution.
Before the meeting, the EU, U.K., France, and Germany communicated with the Trump administration to establish a plan of action. However, the president disregarded the Europeans’ diplomatic endeavors.
In the two-hour meeting with the Iranians on Friday, no new proposal was presented by either party, and no diplomatic breakthrough was achieved.
According to the European diplomats, the discussions were characterized as an initial engagement, and the parties consented to reconvene next week to continue the talks.
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