European Allies Warn Against ‘Superficial’ Iran Deal as Trump Pushes for Quick Win

European allies are raising alarms over the Trump administration’s push for a swift framework agreement with Iran, warning that a rushed and technically thin deal could deepen rather than resolve long-standing disputes.

Diplomats who previously led negotiations with Tehran told Reuters that they fear a “superficial” agreement. Federica Mogherini, who coordinated Iran talks from 2013 to 2015, questioned the possibility of finalizing a complex nuclear dossier in such a short timeframe.

“It took us 12 years and huge technical work. Does anyone seriously think this can be done in 21 hours?” Mogherini asked. Critics argue the US team believes a five-page document can settle the crisis, whereas in reality, every nuclear provision opens dozens of new technical disputes.

The White House has dismissed these concerns. Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that US President Donald Trump has a “proven track record of reaching good deals” and will only agree to terms that put “America first.” However, Washington’s “red lines” remain rigid, including a total halt to uranium enrichment, the dismantling of core enrichment facilities, and the removal of highly enriched uranium from Iranian soil.

This friction comes as the April 22 deadline for the temporary ceasefire fast approaches. Trump has expressed optimism that a final deal, involving a $20 billion asset-for-uranium swap, could be reached within days.

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Iran Warns Israel: Any Attack on Beirut Will Trigger Resumption of War

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that if Israel attacks Beirut, it will trigger a “return to war” and insisted that any ceasefire must apply to both Iran and Lebanon. He said Iran’s return to negotiations would be conditional on securing the rights of the Iranian people and ending what he called the war against Iran, Lebanon and the entire region.

Yet, significant contradictions remain: while Trump insists on the transfer of nuclear material to the US, Iran’s Foreign Ministry recently declared its stockpile would not be moved “anywhere.”

The diplomatic situation is further complicated by rhetoric from Tehran. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, recently characterized the ceasefire as a strategic victory for Iran, claiming Washington failed to form an effective coalition in the Strait of Hormuz.

With Trump warning he may “start dropping bombs again” if a deal is not reached by Wednesday, European diplomats fear that the pressure for a quick win may result in a politically unsustainable pact that neither side can uphold.