Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum to Iran, threatening decisive action, including possible military strikes, if the country does not immediately abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking during a meeting at the White House with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Trump reiterated his long-standing opposition to Iran’s nuclear programme, warning that Tehran is “fairly close” to developing a nuclear weapon.
“They can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they got to go fast,” Trump said. “And if we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it. I’m not doing it for us—I’m doing it for the world. These are radicalised people, and they cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to act decisively, including launching strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
This latest warning comes as Washington and Tehran cautiously resume diplomatic engagement, years after the collapse of the 2015 Vienna nuclear deal—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump, during his first term in 2018, withdrew the U.S. from the pact, calling it “flawed and dangerous.” In retaliation, Iran gradually pulled back from its commitments under the agreement.
Talks aimed at reviving a new version of the nuclear deal resumed last Saturday, with Oman serving as a neutral mediator. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Rome this coming Saturday.
Despite his typically hardline rhetoric, Trump expressed optimism about a resolution, describing the Iranian nuclear issue as “almost an easy problem” if tackled decisively.
The re-escalation of tensions has reignited international concern, with global powers closely watching whether the renewed talks can avert a broader crisis in the Middle East. Analysts warn that Trump’s renewed threats could complicate the delicate diplomatic process, even as pressure mounts on Iran to make tangible concessions.
