Trump Slams Biden’s ‘Backroom’ Iran Nuclear Talks—Vows to End Deal on Day One

Updated June 21 2025 The latest stand-off between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions has entered a volatile new phase, with both sides issuing hard-line statements that threaten to derail any prospect of renewed negotiations. Key Takeaways • Trump insists Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon,” leaving little room for compromise. • Tehran rules out talks until an Israel–Iran cease-fire takes hold. • European diplomats scramble to salvage dialogue as enrichment levels climb. H2: Trump Doubles Down on ‘Zero Nukes’ Pledge Speaking to reporters outside his Bedminster club on Friday, Trump reiterated that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remains his “red line,” warning that “all options are on the table” if Tehran moves closer to a bomb. His remarks follow a White House statement that he will decide on possible U.S. action within two weeks. The former president also challenged intelligence assessments suggesting Iran has not yet decided to build a weapon, calling them “wrong” and “naïve”. H2: Tehran Sets Pre-Conditions for Dialogue Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s comments, asserting that “there is no room for negotiations with the U.S. until Israeli aggression stops”. Tehran says it will only return to the table once a formal cease-fire is in place and U.S. sanctions relief is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Iran’s nuclear program continues to expand. According to IAEA insiders, enrichment has reached 60 percent, edging ever closer to weapons-grade material. The agency warns Iran could produce enough fissile material for a bomb “within weeks” if it chose to do so. H2: Europe Caught in the Middle • France, Germany, and the U.K. have launched back-channel efforts aimed at securing a temporary freeze on enrichment. • EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged both Washington and Tehran to “return to serious diplomacy before the window closes.” • Analysts fear that without a breakthrough, regional conflict could spiral into a direct U.S.–Iran confrontation. H2: Domestic Politics Shape Trump’s Hard Line With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, Trump’s Republican allies argue that a tough stance on Iran energizes the party’s base and underscores claims that Democratic administrations were “soft” on Tehran. Critics counter that maximalist demands leave no diplomatic off-ramp and raise the risk of war. H2: What Happens Next? 1. Two-Week Clock: The White House says Trump will announce a decision “in the coming days” on additional sanctions, cyber operations, or potential military strikes. 2. Cease-Fire Talks: UN and Qatari mediators are racing to broker a pause in Israel–Iran hostilities, a prerequisite for any nuclear dialogue. 3. IAEA Board Meeting: Scheduled for June 28, inspectors will present an updated report on Iran’s enrichment progress, likely intensifying pressure on all parties. H2: Expert Outlook • “Iran is using nuclear escalation as leverage; Trump is using maximum pressure. Someone has to blink,” says Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution. • Former U.S. negotiator Wendy Sherman warns that “miscalculations are almost inevitable when diplomacy is stalled.” • Iranian political analyst Saeed Leylaz notes that domestic hard-liners in Tehran “welcome confrontation” as it bolsters nationalist support. H2: SEO Bottom Line For readers tracking the “Trump Iran nuclear talks,” events are moving swiftly. Bookmark this page for real-time updates on Trump’s next move, Iran’s nuclear timeline, and diplomatic efforts to avert a crisis in the Persian Gulf.