President Donald Trump is reportedly questioning why Iran has not yet "capitulated" despite the United States' increased military presence in the Middle East. Special envoy Steve Witkoff stated Trump is "curious" about Iran's position following warnings of potential military action over its nuclear program. The US and its allies suspect Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies.
Witkoff expressed Trump's puzzlement, asking why Iran hasn't approached negotiations given the substantial naval power deployed in the region. "Why, under this sort of pressure, with the amount of seapower and naval power that we have over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess that we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do?'"
Indirect talks between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland last week reportedly made progress on curbing Iran's nuclear program. However, Trump indicated that a decision on a deal or military action would be made within the next ten days. The US military buildup includes the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers, along with supporting vessels and aircraft. Meanwhile, protests have occurred at Iranian universities, with students gathering to honor those killed in earlier crackdowns.