Trump Iran Nuclear Deal Lette
AxiosMAR 8
Trump Claims Iran Wants Direct Talks as Tensions Mount
Above: US President Donald Trump speaks about the situation with Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House in Washington, DC on Jan. 8, 2020. Image copyright: SAUL LOEB/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump is right that only direct talks will prove effective and result in a better U.S.-Iran understanding, with military options remaining an option if diplomacy fails. A strong regional military presence serves as leverage for successful talks by demonstrating a willingness to act if necessary should Tehran fail to halt its illicit nuclear weapons program.
Anti-Trump narrative
Iran believes that negotiations should never be conducted under threats and maximum-pressure sanctions, yet it remains open to indirect talks. Ironically, while Trump claims he wants to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb, it is precisely Washington's military build-up and aggressive behavior that could lead Tehran to decide to build nuclear weapons.