The Fate of Iran's Uranium Enrichment Program Remains a Key Issue
On Russia-Ukraine Talks: "Let's See What Happens"
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 16 (local time) that the United States has already conveyed its proposal to Iran regarding nuclear negotiations.
According to AFP, on the last day of his Middle East tour, President Trump made this statement in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and pressed Iran by saying, "They know that if they do not move quickly, bad things will happen." He did not elaborate on the specifics of the proposal.
Previously, the United States and Iran, with mediation from Oman, held four rounds of high-level nuclear negotiations from April 12 through May 11, and additional talks have also been announced. The main point of contention in the nuclear negotiations is the continuation of Iran's uranium enrichment program.
Additionally, President Trump referred to the Russia-Ukraine negotiations held in Istanbul, T?rkiye, stating that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as preparations are complete. He added, "Let's see what happens in Russia and Ukraine."
The previous day, President Trump had expressed skepticism about the negotiations between the two countries, remarking, "Nothing will happen until Putin and I meet."
Ukraine is demanding the release of prisoners and an immediate ceasefire, while there are expectations that Russia will set conditions such as the separation of the Donbas region from Ukraine and recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, as it insisted during the March 2022 negotiations. As a result, there are predictions that the talks are unlikely to achieve tangible results.
There were rising expectations for a three-way summit, as President Trump said he would also attend the negotiations in Istanbul if progress was made. However, as the Ukraine-Russia summit did not take place, President Trump returned home as originally scheduled.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, President Trump said, "Many people are starving," and added, "We are looking into Gaza and will work to resolve the issue."
President Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in succession over four days starting May 13. This Middle East tour marks President Trump's first official overseas summit trip since his inauguration in January.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
