Trump Urges Iran to Curb Nuclear Program, End support for Regional Groups

DOHA, Qatar – U.S. President Donald Trump stated Wednesday his desire for a swift agreement with Iran to curtail its nuclear program. However, he stipulated that Tehran must cease its support for allied groups across the region as a prerequisite for any potential accord.

Trump, currently on a three-nation tour of the Middle East, addressed iran’s nuclear ambitions during private discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The U.S. president voiced optimism that these efforts “will bear fruit in one way or another.”

Trump Addresses Gulf Cooperation Council

Speaking at a Gulf Cooperation Council leaders’ meeting in Riyadh, saudi Arabia, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Trump emphasized that Iran must halt its financial backing of militant organizations.

“Iran must stop sponsoring terrorism, end their proxy wars, and verifiably and permanently cease the pursuit of nuclear weapons,” Trump declared. “They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Qatar’s Response and U.S.-Qatar Agreements

Al Thani did not directly comment on Iran following his meeting with Trump in Doha.He noted that cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar on various issues was elevating their relationship to “another level.”

The two leaders, along with their delegations, signed several agreements, including a $96 billion deal between U.S. aerospace company boeing and Qatar Airways, according to the White House.

Nuclear Talks and Regional Conflicts

The United States and Iran have engaged in four rounds of talks concerning Iran’s nuclear program as early last month. Trump has repeatedly expressed his belief that a negotiated agreement is possible, but cautioned that time is running short.

Trump’s call for Iran to end its support for Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen comes after these groups have faced notable setbacks since Hamas’s Oct. 7,2023,attack on Israel.

Iran’s Reaction

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s statements as “deceptive” but did not directly address the president’s demand to withdraw support for allied groups.

Trump added that he believed the moment was ripe “for a future free from the control of Hezbollah terrorists.” He argued that the Lebanese group is weakened after its war with Israel last year and the loss of a key ally with the fall of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a conduit for weapons from Iran.

Meeting with Syrian President

Trump’s remarks on Iran followed a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. Al-Sharaa, an insurgent leader, was imprisoned by U.S. forces after being captured in Iraq.

Trump agreed to meet Al-Sharaa at the urging of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also pledged to lift sanctions on syria.

Trump described the meeting with Al-Sharaa as “excellent,” calling him a “young and attractive type” with a “vrey strong past.”

“He has a real chance to maintain the situation under control,” Trump said.

Prince Mohammed accompanied Trump and al-Sharaa at the meeting, wich lasted approximately 33 minutes. Erdogan participated via videoconference.

Qatari Welcome and Controversies

In Qatar,Trump was greeted at the airport by Al Thani. Air Force One was escorted by Qatari F-15 jets as it approached Doha.

During their discussions at the Amiri diwan, Trump complimented Al Thani on the “perfect” marble and the camels at the arrival ceremony.

Al Thani expressed hope in Trump’s efforts with Iran and ending the war in Gaza.

“I no you are a peace man,” Al Thani told Trump, who was later honored with a state dinner. “I know you want to bring peace to this region.”

Trump will travel to the United Arab emirates on Thursday, the final stop of his Middle East tour.

Qatar’s Role and Controversies

Qatar, like other Persian gulf arab states, is an autocratic nation with restricted political freedoms. The country has also been implicated in bribery scandals.

Israeli authorities are investigating allegations that Qatar hired advisors close to Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu to improve the country’s image among israelis.

Two European Union legislators were accused of accepting money from Doha in a scandal dubbed “Qatar-gate.” In 2020,U.S. prosecutors accused Qatar of bribing FIFA Executive Committee members to secure the 2022 World cup.

Qatar’s Strategic Importance

despite controversies, Qatar remains a valuable partner for the United States, hosting Al-udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command.

Qatar also serves as a key mediator, especially with Hamas.

The wealthy oil nation is at the center of a controversy over its offer to provide Trump with a luxurious Boeing 747-8 for use as Air Force One while new versions are being built.

the qatari government stated that no final decision has been made. Trump has defended the idea as fiscally responsible, while critics argue it would be an inappropriate gift from a foreign government.

(Associated Press contributed to this report)