Summary
- US President Donald Trump strongly urged Iran to halt its nuclear weapon development and return to negotiations.
- As the US urgently deploys an aircraft carrier to the Middle East and hints at possible military action, geopolitical risks in the region are rising.
- The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran hinted at willingness to resume negotiations if there is no direct involvement by the US.
US hurriedly deploys aircraft carrier to the Middle East
Turning point in the Middle East war expected
As Israel and Iran continue their clashes for the fifth day, US President Donald Trump announced on the 16th (local time), "Everyone must leave Tehran immediately."
On social media, President Trump wrote, "Iran must never possess even a single nuclear weapon," urging all US citizens remaining in the region to evacuate. This has been interpreted as both an order for evacuation and a warning of potential greater attacks toward Iran. President Trump further stated, "Iran should have signed the agreement (with the United States) that I told them to sign," criticizing that their refusal has resulted in unnecessary casualties. This was a reproach of Iran's refusal to accept the US demand to halt nuclear weapon development in five consecutive negotiations since April.
President Trump then suspended his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Alberta, Canada, due to the Middle East crisis, and reportedly returned early to the White House that night, immediately convening the National Security Council (NSC). On social media, he explained his return was "unrelated to a ceasefire (between Israel and Iran)" and hinted at "something much bigger." As a result, there is speculation that the US may increase its military involvement in the Israel-Iran war.
During his return flight on the 17th, President Trump told CBS that he wants a "real end" to the Iranian nuclear issue and will demand Iran's complete abandonment of nuclear weapons. He also warned that if Iran does not give up its nuclear ambitions, Israel is expected to remain aggressive, stating, "We'll know within the next two days."
Regarding the possibility of sending Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President J.D. Vance to Iran, he said, "It's possible," not ruling out the option. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Iran signaled through Middle Eastern countries that it is willing to return to the negotiating table if the US refrains from direct involvement in the conflict.
Reporter Dayeon Lim allopen@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
