"Ball Is in Trump's Court": Iran Wants Military Assets Gone Before Talks Begin
Iran demands U.S. withdraw military assets from region as condition for nuclear talks, a senior official tells Reuters. "The ball is in Trump's court," a source says.
As diplomatic channels flicker amid fears of a U.S.-Iran confrontation, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is demanding the withdrawal of American military assets from its vicinity as a prerequisite for resuming nuclear negotiations. "For the start of talks, Tehran wants U.S. military assets moved away from Iran," the source said, adding, "Now the ball is in Trump's court."
The comments come as Iran weighs the terms for potential talks with the United States, with both sides signaling openness to dialogue to avert a regional war. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran is examining "the various dimensions and aspects of the talks," emphasizing the urgency of lifting sanctions.
A separate senior Iranian official and a Western diplomat indicated to Reuters that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi could meet in Turkey in the coming days.
This development follows heightened U.S. military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier and destroyers, amid Trump's threats of intervention if Iran does not curb its nuclear program, missile development, and proxy support.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the initiation of negotiations within the nuclear framework, according to local media.
Despite the signals, gaps persist: The United States' demands include halting uranium enrichment, limiting ballistic missiles, and ending regional proxy backing, conditions Iran has rejected.
Regional allies like Turkey are mediating to de-escalate, with reports of progress toward a framework for talks.
Iran has warned of retaliation if attacked, designating EU armies as "terrorist groups" in response to similar labels on its IRGC, while the U.S. has withdrawn some personnel from bases as a precaution.
Satellite imagery shows repair work at Iranian nuclear sites, hinting at preparations amid the standoff.