Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply warned Iran that “time is running out” to negotiate a new agreement on its nuclear programme, as a significant build-up of U.S. military forces in the Gulf raises the stakes of a major confrontation.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump urged Tehran to “come to the table” and strike a deal that would ensure no nuclear weapons, saying such an outcome would be “good for all parties.” He stressed the urgency of negotiations, adding that if Iran fails to agree, the “next attack will be far worse” than previous U.S. military actions against its nuclear infrastructure.
Trump’s comments come amid the steady arrival of what he described as a “massive armada” — a large naval and military force, including an aircraft carrier strike group — to the Gulf. He said the fleet is “ready, willing, and able” to carry out its mission “with speed and violence, if necessary.”
The president has not ruled out new military strikes, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. In recent days, U.S. officials have emphasised that military options remain on the table while urging Iran to engage in serious negotiations.
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Iran’s top diplomats responded with firm language. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that negotiations cannot take place under the threat of force, saying diplomacy conducted through pressure and threats “cannot be effective.” He reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position that Iran welcomes a fair, mutually beneficial nuclear deal that respects its rights to peaceful nuclear technology and guarantees it will not pursue weapons.
While Iran insists its nuclear programme remains peaceful and denies seeking atomic weapons, Western capitals, including the U.S., have long expressed deep skepticism about Tehran’s intentions. The sharp rhetoric from both sides has heightened fears of escalation after months of regional tension.
Trump previously withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord, sharply restricting diplomacy and increasing pressure on Tehran. The current build-up and renewed warnings highlight how fragile and volatile U.S.-Iran relations remain, with both military readiness and diplomatic messaging shaping a fraught moment in international affairs.