File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not happy” with Iran but still wants to reach a deal, even as Washington continues its major military build-up in the Middle East.Speaking to reporters, Trump said more talks with Iran are expected on Friday. “Not happy with Iran but more talks expected Friday,” he said, according to Reuters.He made clear that his core demand remains unchanged: “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”

‘Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to’

When asked directly whether he would use military force against Iran, Trump signalled reluctance but did not rule it out.“Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to,” he said.The remarks come amid rising tensions following the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva. While Oman-mediated talks have reportedly made some progress, no agreement has yet been announced.Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran refuses to agree to a far-reaching deal curbing its nuclear programme. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon.

Diplomacy continues amid military build-up

Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open.US secretary of state Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Monday and Tuesday to discuss “a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza,” the state department said.The visit comes as the US gathers significant military assets in the region. One aircraft carrier is already deployed in the Middle East and another is heading there, alongside additional aircraft and warships.Iran has warned it would retaliate against American forces in the region, including those stationed at US bases in allied Arab countries, if it comes under attack.

Embassy departures and travel warnings

The US Embassy in Jerusalem has authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential personnel and their families. In an email cited by news agency AP, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff who wished to leave to do so immediately.“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorised departure”.The email warned that while outbound flights might continue for several days, “there may not be”.Other countries have taken similar precautions. Britain has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran, with the embassy continuing to operate remotely. Australia has directed dependents of its officials in Israel to leave, while China and several European nations have advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Nuclear concerns and stalled access

Meanwhile, a confidential report from the UN’s nuclear watchdog, seen by AP, said Iran has not granted inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during a 12-day conflict launched by Israel last June.As a result, the agency said it could not verify Iran’s claim that it halted uranium enrichment following US and Israeli strikes.Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side,” without elaborating. Tehran has long demanded relief from sanctions in exchange for limits — but not a full halt — to its nuclear activities.Technical discussions are scheduled to take place in Vienna next week. US vice president JD Vance was also expected to meet Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi in Washington, as Muscat continues to mediate between the two sides.