‘Time to Choose’ on Nuclear Deal

Jeff Mordock | May 13, 2025

(The Washington Times) — President Trump offered a stern warning to Iran on Tuesday, telling the Middle Eastern country it was “time to choose” how it wants to proceed in negotiations with the U.S. on its nuclear program.

Mr. Trump vowed that Iran would “never have a nuclear weapon.”

“We will never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or nuclear attack. The choice is theirs to make. … This is an offer that will not last forever. The time is right for them to choose — right now,” he said at an investor forum in Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Trump said he doesn’t believe Iran and the U.S. need to remain enemies.

“In the case of Iran, I have never believed in having permanent enemies. I am different than a lot of people think. I don’t like permanent enemies. Sometimes you need enemies to do the job and you have to do it right. Enemies get you motivated,” Mr. Trump added.

“I want to make a deal with Iran. I can make a deal with Iran. I’ll be very happy if we’re going to make your region and the world a safer place,” he continued.

The Trump administration has dispatched special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff for talks on a nuclear deal, which are being mediated by Oman.

So far, four rounds have taken place, most recently on Sunday. There are plans to move forward, but so far, no breakthroughs have been reached.

Mr. Trump said that if Iran refuses to reach an agreement or negotiate a deal, the U.S. will respond with “maximum pressure.”

“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure … and take all action required to stop the regime from ever having a nuclear weapon. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said, adding a “much brighter future” awaits Iran if the country strikes a deal.