They better be very careful because Trump is not bluffing.
President Donald Trump recently disclosed that he sent a stern warning to Iran, urging the regime to either strike a deal on its nuclear program with the United States or face military action. Speaking with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria, Trump explained that his message was clear: Iran must choose between diplomacy and confrontation. “I hope they’ll negotiate, because it would be much better for Iran,” Trump said, referring to the letter he sent to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The former president outlined two options for Iran: “You either make a deal, or we handle it militarily.” He emphasized that while he would prefer a peaceful resolution, he was ready to take decisive action if necessary. “I’m not looking to hurt Iran, but we cannot allow them to obtain nuclear weapons,” Trump declared, reinforcing his stance that U.S. security and global stability must come first.
Trump also reflected on his decision to withdraw the U.S. from the flawed Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018. Under the Obama administration, the agreement allowed Iran to continue its nuclear activities while claiming to restrict them. Since then, Iran has consistently violated the terms of the deal, making it clear that Tehran cannot be trusted. Trump’s administration implemented a “maximum pressure” campaign to bring Iran to the negotiating table, and just last month, he signed an executive order reinforcing this strategy.
The U.N. nuclear watchdog has expressed grave concern over Iran’s progress in enriching uranium, warning that the regime is dangerously close to developing nuclear weapons. The National Council of Resistance of Iran has also highlighted Tehran’s growing technical capabilities to launch nuclear warheads. Despite these developments, Iran has not publicly responded to Trump’s letter, but his message remains firm: the U.S. will not tolerate a nuclear-capable Iran.
Trump closed with a stern warning: “Time is running out. If Iran chooses to escalate, it will be a catastrophe for them.” While Russia has offered to mediate between the U.S. and Iran, Trump has not commented on whether he would accept that offer, but his message is clear—America will not back down in the face of a nuclear threat.