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Trump Presses Iran on Nuclear Talks as Diplomatic Window Remains Open Amid Gulf Military Build-Up
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that “time is running out” to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme, as the United States continues a steady build-up of military forces in the Gulf, raising international attention on the standoff while leaving the door open to negotiations.
Speaking amid heightened tensions, Trump said a “massive Armada” of US naval forces was moving rapidly towards the region, describing it as advancing “with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose”. His remarks were widely interpreted as a signal of pressure rather than an immediate threat, aimed at pushing Tehran back to the negotiating table.
Iran responded by striking a careful balance between defiance and diplomacy. In a statement, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said Tehran “stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests”, underlining that it remains open to talks. At the same time, it warned that if Iran were forced into confrontation, it would defend itself and “respond like never before”.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, rejecting long-standing accusations from the US and its allies that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that international inspections and agreements provide sufficient assurances about the civilian nature of its nuclear activities.
Trump’s latest warning comes against the backdrop of intense unrest inside Iran following a sweeping and violent crackdown on demonstrations earlier this month. At the height of the protests, the US president publicly voiced support for demonstrators, telling them that “help is on the way”. He later adopted a more cautious tone, saying he had received assurances that executions linked to the protests had stopped.
Human rights groups continue to report alarming figures. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has confirmed the deaths of more than 6,301 people since unrest erupted in late December, including at least 5,925 protesters. HRANA added that it is investigating reports of a further 17,000 deaths, which it says have been difficult to verify due to an extended internet shutdown across the country.
Meanwhile, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 25,000, highlighting the scale of the crisis and the urgency of international engagement.
Search efforts and inquiries remain ongoing after Prince Andrew was released under investigation following a day spent in police custody.
More than 19 hours after he was photographed reclining in the back seat of a vehicle upon release, the King’s younger brother remains at the centre of an active inquiry. The 66-year-old spent approximately 11 hours in custody on his birthday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The development marked the first arrest of a senior royal in modern history.
Following his release, Andrew departed Aylsham Police Station after a lengthy period that involved hours of transport and waiting.
Although no charges have been filed, Andrew has been released under investigation — meaning he is free to resume daily activities for now, but remains subject to further questioning as inquiries progress.
Authorities continue to examine matters linked to properties associated with the Duke, including locations connected to the Sandringham Estate.
According to royal correspondent Helena Wilkinson, Andrew’s legal situation remains unresolved, and he may be required to return for additional interviews as the investigation develops.
Authorities have confirmed that Prince Andrew was arrested earlier today on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking a significant development that is now set to move through the formal legal system.
The arrest took place at a residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at approximately 08:00 this morning. Police have since continued investigative searches at that property, as well as at his former home located within Windsor Great Park.
In recent weeks, Andrew had relocated from Windsor to establish a temporary base at Sandringham while renovation work progresses on his future long-term residence at nearby Marsh Farm.
The Sandringham Estate, originally acquired in 1862 as a private retreat for the future Edward VII when he was Albert, Prince of Wales, has long remained a cherished country residence passed from monarch to monarch. It continues to serve as a traditional gathering place for the Royal Family, particularly during the Christmas period.
It is understood Andrew has been staying at Wood Farm, a secluded house near the village of Wolferton. The residence holds personal significance, having been chosen by his father, Prince Philip, as his primary home following retirement from public duties in 2017.
Today, Sandringham has seen heightened police presence as the investigation proceeds.
Meanwhile, King Charles III continued with his scheduled public engagements in London, where he was greeted by both questions and expressions of public support upon arrival.
Maintaining continuity and stability, the King chose—like the Queen earlier—to proceed with previously planned duties. In a statement, he reaffirmed confidence in due process, noting that “the law must take its course.”
It has also been confirmed that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest, underscoring the independence of the legal process now underway.
Authorities are assessing new information concerning private jet movements at Stansted Airport after fresh scrutiny linked to the activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Essex Police confirmed it is examining details related to private flights arriving at and departing from the airport in light of disclosures emerging from the recently published Epstein files.
The review follows calls from former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who urged in the New Statesman that law enforcement should “urgently” revisit whether Epstein’s victims may have been trafficked into or out of the United Kingdom.
A previous investigation identified 87 flights connected to Epstein that either landed at or departed from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018.
Stansted Airport has maintained that private aircraft operations are conducted independently, noting that it does not oversee passenger arrangements for privately chartered flights.
The police assessment is part of broader efforts to understand any potential connections between flight activity and trafficking concerns raised in the wake of the latest disclosures.
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