US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran over the nuclear deal, warning that the country could face far more devastating military strikes if it refuses to enter negotiations.
In a message posted on social media on Wednesday, Trump said he hoped Iran would quickly come to the negotiating table and agree to a “fair and balanced” deal that would completely exclude nuclear weapons. He cautioned that time was running out and described the situation as “extremely urgent,” according to a report by Reuters.
Referring to the strengthening of the US military presence in the Middle East, Trump reminded Iran of a military strike carried out last June and warned that any future attack would be far more severe. He said such a situation should not be allowed to arise again. Trump also revealed that a US naval fleet is currently moving toward Iran.
In response, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wrote in a post on X that if the United States takes any military action, Iran will target the US, Israel, and their allies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country’s armed forces are on full alert and ready to respond immediately and forcefully to any act of aggression. However, he stressed that Iran remains committed to a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear agreement—one free of threats or pressure, guaranteeing Iran’s rights to peaceful nuclear technology and excluding any nuclear weapons.
Araghchi also said he has had no recent contact with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and has not received any request for talks.
Meanwhile, a US official said President Trump has not yet made a final decision on military action. The official added that Washington believes Iran’s current weakened position offers an opportunity to push for agreements on nuclear disarmament and other issues.
