Web Desk (MNN); United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday escalated his rhetoric against Iran, warning that time was running out for Tehran to agree to a deal on its nuclear programme after Iran rejected negotiations under military pressure.
In a message posted on social media, Trump urged Iran to immediately enter talks, saying a fair agreement must ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. He warned that a large US naval force was already moving toward the region.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — no nuclear weapons — one that benefits everyone. Time is running out,” Trump said, adding that a “massive armada” was heading toward Iran.
Referring to past military action, Trump recalled an earlier strike he described as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” claiming it caused significant destruction. He warned that any future attack would be far more severe if Iran continued to refuse negotiations.
Trump’s renewed threats came after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected talks under the threat of force. In televised remarks, Araghchi said diplomacy could not succeed when conducted alongside military intimidation.
“Diplomacy pursued through threats and pressure is neither effective nor meaningful,” he said. “If negotiations are to move forward, threats must stop, unreasonable demands must be dropped, and illogical issues must not be raised.”
The US president has repeatedly stated that military action remains an option, particularly after Washington supported Israel during a 12-day conflict in June aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Earlier this month, Trump also threatened strikes over Iran’s handling of anti-government protests.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, recent days had seen signals from both sides suggesting a possible opening for diplomacy. However, tensions rose again with the arrival of a US naval strike group in the region.
US Central Command confirmed that a carrier-led strike group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, has entered Middle Eastern waters, though its exact location was not disclosed.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have reportedly intensified diplomatic outreach to key Arab states in an effort to reduce regional tensions and counter the growing US military presence.
