President Donald Trump has reinforced his warning to Iran, indicating that the U.S. is prepared to deliver a severe response if talks between Washington and Tehran fail. Trump stated to Fox News’ Trace Gallagher, ‘If they back out again, they’re going to get hit really hard. They know that. They understand that. I have no choice. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.’
The President emphasized that military action remains on the table should diplomacy not succeed. His statement follows recent decisions to delay a significant military strike on Iran, deemed potentially the largest since World War II, after appeals from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries for more negotiation time regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear activities.
Trump: ‘The hard hit is yet to come, and hopefully we won’t have to use it.’
As Trump recounted, the planned attack was postponed after Iran requested talks, expressing willingness to address issues.
Earlier, Trump suggested progress was being made toward a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and mitigate Iran’s nuclear ambitions, describing the situation as ‘imminent.’
Iranian officials have not acknowledged direct talks with the U.S., noting negotiations have involved mediators from Oman. The Associated Press reported that discussions have advanced, potentially reopening the strait, though nothing is yet finalized.
Despite Iran’s denial of direct negotiations, Trump affirmed the discussions as ‘very good,’ criticizing public statements by Iran as misleading: ‘They don’t like to admit that, but, well, you know, it’s a little bit disconcerting.’
He further stated, ‘But it doesn’t matter. That’s talk. The only thing that matters is action. And they want to make a deal. We’ll see what happens. If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be too bad.’
Trump expressed a willingness to continue diplomatic efforts, notwithstanding repeated negotiation breakdowns: ‘I have plenty of time.’
Trump reiterated criticism of previous U.S. administrations, particularly the nuclear deal under former President Obama, which he deemed unsuccessful: ‘It should have been done by many presidents over many years, and it wasn’t, and I’m doing it. Obama was taken to the cleaners.’
Trump has indicated the current negotiations as Iran’s ‘last chance’ to prevent further U.S. military escalation, focusing initially on the Strait of Hormuz before addressing the nuclear issue.