Trump threatens Iran: Either make deal or face US strikes

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – The United States has warned that Iran would be “wise” to reach a deal with Washington as President Donald Trump once again hinted at possible military action.

The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after Trump repeatedly threatened Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month. 

A previous round of negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran last June, sparking a 12-day conflict that saw Washington briefly join in bombing Iranian nuclear sites.

“Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and his administration,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

On Wednesday, Trump suggested on his Truth Social site that the U.S. might strike Iran, as a military buildup continues in the Middle East. He warned Britain against relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, citing the Diego Garcia airbase as potentially necessary should Iran refuse a deal, “in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime.”

CNN and CBS reported Wednesday that the U.S. military could be ready to strike Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump has reportedly not made a final decision.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has been briefed on military options “all designed to maximize damage,” including campaigns to “kill scores of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of overthrowing the government,” according to unnamed US officials.

Earlier, Tehran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said Iran was “drafting” a framework for future talks with the U.S. Iran and the US held a second round of Oman-mediated negotiations on Tuesday in Geneva.

Araghchi said Tehran had agreed with Washington on “guiding principles,” but U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran had not yet acknowledged all of Washington’s red lines.

Speaking Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted, “We do not want war,” but suggested Tehran could not yield to US demands. “From the day I took office, I have believed that war must be set aside. But if they try to impose their will, humiliate us, and demand we bow at any cost, should we accept that?”

Earlier on Wednesday, Araghchi spoke with Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Araghchi “stressed Iran’s focus on drafting an initial and coherent framework to advance future talks,” according to a ministry statement.

Tehran has suspended some cooperation with the IAEA and restricted inspectors from accessing sites bombed by Israel and the US, accusing the watchdog of bias and failing to condemn the strikes.

Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned Washington would deter Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons “one way or another.” “They’ve been very clear about what they would do with nuclear weapons. It’s entirely unacceptable,” Wright said in Paris during International Energy Agency meetings.

The Omani-mediated talks aim to avert U.S. military action, while Tehran demands the lifting of crippling U.S. sanctions.

Iran insists discussions focus on the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously sought to include Tehran’s ballistic missile program and support for armed groups.

While talks resume, the U.S. continues a military buildup near Iran. Washington has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln and its nearly 80 aircraft positioned about 700 kilometres (435 miles) from Iran’s coast as of Sunday, satellite images show.

Iran is also demonstrating military capability, with its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps beginning war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a major global oil and gas conduit. State TV reported that parts of the waterway would be closed for safety during drills.