Washington, United States. President Donald Trump warned Iran that any future U.S. military strike would be “far worse” than previous attacks and urged Tehran to negotiate a nuclear deal. Iranian officials responded with threats of retaliation as a U.S. naval force led by the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East.
Trump issues warning and calls for negotiations
Trump said on social media on Wednesday that he hoped Iran would “Come to the Table” to negotiate a “fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” adding that “Time is running out.”
The Republican president, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran during his first White House term, said his last warning to Iran had been followed by a military strike in June. “The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” Trump wrote, adding that a U.S. “armada” was heading toward Iran.
Iran warns of retaliation
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a post on X on Wednesday that any U.S. military action would result in Iran targeting the United States, Israel, and those who support it.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X that Iran’s armed forces were “prepared – with their fingers on the trigger – to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression.” He added that Iran welcomed a “mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL” on equal footing and free from coercion, which ensures Iran’s rights to peaceful nuclear technology and guarantees no nuclear weapons.
U.S. naval deployment adds to concerns
The exchange came as a U.S. naval force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East, heightening concerns over a potential military confrontation.
Contact claims denied
Araqchi said earlier that he had not been in contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days and had not requested negotiations, according to state media reports on Wednesday.
What do you think the latest exchange means for prospects of renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks?
