US President Donald Trump on Tuesday denounced Iran as the “most destructive force” in the Middle East, accusing it of fueling regional instability and warning that the United States will never allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Delivering his remarks at an investment summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Trump issued what he called both a final warning and an opportunity for diplomacy. He urged Iran to choose between continuing what he described as “chaos and terror” or pursuing a path toward peace.
“I want to make a deal with Iran,” Trump said. “But if Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch…, we will have no choice but to inflict massive maximum pressure.”
While reaffirming his openness to negotiations, Trump clarified that any new agreement would depend on a significant shift in Iran’s behaviour. He also warned that his offer won’t remain on the table indefinitely.
Highlighting regional contrasts, Trump praised Saudi Arabia’s “constructive vision” while condemning what he called the “collapse and suffering” brought about by Iranian leadership.
“There could be no sharper contrast with the path you have pursued on the Arabian Peninsula than the disaster unfolding right across the Gulf of Iran,” he added.
Iran, for its part, has consistently denied accusations that it contributes to unrest in the Middle East.
(With input from Reuters)