US President Donald Trump has renewed his warning to Iran, declaring that Washington will either secure a diplomatic agreement with Tehran or resort to military action if negotiations fail.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said the United States still preferred a negotiated settlement but insisted it was fully prepared to act if diplomacy reached a dead end.
“We’re either going to make a deal or we’re going to finish the job,” Trump said. He added that the United States had the capability to destroy Iran’s infrastructure, including bridges and energy facilities, within a short period, while claiming Iran was already under severe financial pressure.
The latest remarks came after indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded last week without any visible breakthrough. The negotiations took place during a 60-day ceasefire aimed at creating room for diplomacy following US and Israeli military strikes that triggered the recent conflict.
Iran swiftly rejected Trump’s comments. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, described the president’s threats as “delusional” and warned that Iranians do not respond to intimidation.
He said Iran expected to be treated with respect, adding that any continued threats would be met with an appropriate response.
Trump’s comments also followed the weekend funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, where large crowds gathered in what observers described as a display of national unity and defiance despite months of conflict. Rather than appearing weakened by the war, Iran projected an image of resilience as its leadership signalled its determination to shape the country’s future.
The ceasefire brokered earlier this year was intended to revive diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability. However, with negotiations showing little progress and tensions once again escalating, uncertainty continues to surround the future of US-Iran relations.
