B1May 18, 2026·2 min read·255 words·3 vocab words·Source: BBC World

Trump Warns Iran as Nuclear Peace Talks Stall

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Trump Warns Iran as Nuclear Peace Talks Stall
Photo: BBC World
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that "the clock is ticking" as nuclear negotiations between the two countries remain frozen. Trump made the statement during a political rally in Iowa, signaling growing frustration over the lack of progress in talks.

The warning comes as the United States and Iran have failed to reach agreement on a new nuclear deal. Talks, which began in 2021, have stalled over disagreements about and nuclear inspections. Neither side has moved closer to a compromise in recent months.

"Time is running out," Trump said. "We need to see real progress, or there will be serious consequences." He did not specify what those consequences might be.

Iran's government responded by stating it remains open to negotiations. However, Iranian officials said the U.S. must first remove economic imposed on their country. This disagreement has blocked progress since talks began.

Experts that continued delays could lead to increased tensions in the Middle East. Some analysts estimate that without a breakthrough soon, military conflict could become more likely. The situation affects global oil prices and international security.

The previous nuclear agreement, signed in 2015, limited Iran's nuclear program. Trump withdrew the U.S. from that deal in 2018, calling it "the worst deal ever made." Since then, Iran has expanded its nuclear activities.

Both countries say they want peace, but significant obstacles remain. International observers predict that a new agreement will require both sides to make difficult compromises. The outlook for negotiations remains uncertain as tensions continue to rise.

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Comprehension
Question 1 of 2

Why did Trump warn that 'the clock is ticking' for Iran?

Grammar spotlight

Present Perfect for past actions with present relevance

One point · B1 learners should use have/has + past participle to link past events to the present.

Use the present perfect to talk about actions that happened in the past but are important now.

From this article

Trump withdrew the U.S. from that deal in 2018, calling it "the worst deal ever made."

What to know · B1 learners should use have/has + past participle to link past events to the present.

Use it today

Try saying this aloud

Neutral register

Scenario: You are discussing recent news with a classmate during a break.

  1. 01What do you think about the current negotiations?
  2. 02I agree that both sides need to compromise.
  3. 03Do you think sanctions will be lifted soon?

Register tip · B1: simple and direct, neutral tone

🎙️ Article Audio — Kokoro TTS

Trump Warns Iran as Nuclear Peace Talks Stall

Adapted from BBC World · Read the original. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.

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