Overview

• On August 6, President Trump publicly warned that any attempt by Iran to restart its nuclear weapons program would prompt an immediate and forceful U.S. military response.
• He cited Operation Midnight Hammer in June—joint U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—as proof that strong action has prevented wars in the Middle East.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has stated that Tehran never requested a meeting, contradicting the president’s assertion of scheduled talks.
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran will not resume nuclear negotiations until the U.S. provides compensation for damages caused by the June strikes.
• Indirect negotiations mediated by Oman before June’s attacks have repeatedly stalled, highlighting the fragile balance between diplomacy and military deterrence.