Arabic version: ترامب يتساءل عن مقاومة إيران للضغط العسكري الأمريكي

U.S. President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not yet “capitulated” to Washington’s military build-up in the Middle East, according to BBC News. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, expressed Trump’s curiosity during an interview with Fox News, noting the president’s awareness of the alternatives available to him regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Witkoff highlighted that Trump is not frustrated but is curious as to why Iran has not approached the U.S. with a willingness to negotiate, especially under significant military pressure. The U.S. and its allies suspect Iran is progressing toward developing a nuclear weapon, a claim that Iran denies.

The remarks come in the context of increased U.S. military presence near Iran, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship, and other naval assets. These developments coincide with indirect talks held in Switzerland between U.S. and Iranian officials aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In Iran, significant anti-government protests erupted at several universities over the weekend. These protests marked the first large-scale demonstrations since a deadly crackdown in January, during which thousands lost their lives. Footage verified by the BBC shows demonstrators clashing with government supporters at Sharif University in Tehran, as students gathered to honor those killed in recent unrest.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 7,015 people have been killed in the protests, including many protesters and children. Iranian authorities, however, claim that most of the deceased were security personnel or bystanders attacked by “rioters.”