The Trump administration has taken a hard stance, demanding that Iran completely halt all nuclear enrichment

By Titilope Adako

US President Donald Trump has announced he will decide on possible military action against Iran within two weeks a move that European negotiators say has opened up a “breathing space” for diplomacy.

Speaking ahead of high-level talks in Geneva between top European and Iranian officials, a Western European diplomat told CNN that negotiators plan to present “ideas” to Tehran to explore a potential compromise, particularly on the contentious issue of uranium enrichment.

While Iran insists its enrichment programme is for peaceful purposes, it continues to produce near-weapons-grade material a violation of its non-proliferation commitments, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Trump administration has taken a hard stance, demanding that Iran completely halt all nuclear enrichment. Tehran, however, has consistently refused to abandon the programme, investing heavily in technology and facilities like the Fordow complex, buried deep within a mountain.

Following a week of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly crippled major parts of Iran’s enrichment infrastructure, some diplomats believe Iran may soon be forced to reconsider its position due to mounting military pressure.

“Because Iran is now under immense military pressure, it might run out of options, and their nuclear capability is being degraded,” the diplomat told CNN.

Before Trump’s announcement, the Geneva talks had been viewed as largely symbolic, with the US appearing ready to join Israel in dismantling Iran’s nuclear sites by force.

Now, the discussions involving the EU’s foreign policy chief and the foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany, and Iran are being seen as more consequential, potentially serving as a bridge for renewed US-Iran dialogue.

Still, many remain sceptical. Some fear the two-week delay may simply be a tactic by Trump to buy time while US forces prepare for military intervention.

“It’s impossible to read anything Trump says because there is a daily barrage of statements,” the European diplomat added.

The Geneva meeting marks the first formal engagement with Iranian officials since the recent escalation between Israel and Iran.

Join us on our Whatssap Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

KoikiMedia Bringing the 🌎 World Closer to Your Doorstep