The US president claimed that Israel would be the leader of a potential bombing campaign if talks with Tehran collapse

US President Donald Trump has said he has a specific deadline in mind for reaching a deal with Tehran over its nuclear program, and confirmed he would "absolutely" consider military action if negotiations fail.

The two countries are set to engage in talks in Oman on Saturday, initiated by Trump, to address concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. The US president claimed the discussions will be direct, while Tehran insisted they will remain indirect, saying Washington cannot be trusted.

Asked whether he expects "something definitive" to emerge from the meeting, Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that he views the Oman talks as the beginning of a process, while confirming he has a specific deadline in mind.

"It's a start. We have a little time, but we don't have much time. Because we're not gonna let them have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "When you start talks, you know if they're going along well or not. And I would say the conclusion would be when I think they're not going along well. So that's just a feeling."

Earlier this week, Trump warned Iran of a "great danger" and a "very bad day" if the negotiations collapse. Asked by reporters whether that signaled a willingness to use force, the president made his position clear.

During his first term, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - a multinational agreement aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since returning to office in January, he has reinstated his "maximum pressure" policy, accusing Tehran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapon and imposing new sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector.

In early March, Trump revealed he had sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing renewed negotiations. He warned that if Tehran rejected the offer, it could face military strikes "the likes of which it has never seen."

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and has repeatedly denounced US sanctions as illegal and unjustified. Iranian officials have stated the country is prepared to respond to any aggression and has reportedly placed the military on high alert.

Speaking at a National Nuclear Technology Day ceremony on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi would deliver Khamenei's instructions during the Oman talks.

"As the Supreme Leader has stated, the Islamic Republic is ready for engagement ... but this engagement must be indirect, dignified, and accompanied by clear guarantees, because we still do not trust the other side," a press release from the president's office stated.

(RT.com)