Trump Says U.S. Prepared for Military Action if Iran Talks Fail
Trump Warns of Military Action if Iran Talks Collapse
President Donald Trump said the United States is prepared to take military action against Iran if the ongoing negotiations fail to produce an agreement. He described the current round of talks as a final window for diplomacy, calling the exchanges between the two countries "very deep talks." According to Trump, the process needs to move quickly or it won't move at all, and there is little time left to reach a deal.
Trump said he still prefers a diplomatic outcome, but stressed that the U.S. is ready to respond with force if the negotiations break down.
Background: Nearly Two Weeks of Strikes
The latest remarks come after U.S. forces completed 13 consecutive nights of strikes on Iranian military capabilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he agreed to pause the campaign after Tehran asked for a halt in order to return to the negotiating table, and he accepted once mediators involved in the talks indicated that progress was being made. He warned that if a new ceasefire agreement isn't reached, the U.S. will resume the same level of military action.
What's on the Table: The Strait of Hormuz and a Nuclear Deal
The current negotiations are centered on a new arrangement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, along with reviving broader talks on a comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran. The talks are being led primarily by Iran and Oman, with Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt also playing active roles, alongside U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Senior Adviser Jared Kushner.
Trump argued that Iran is only willing to negotiate because it finds itself in an unfavorable position, following strikes that he said severely damaged the country's military capabilities. He expressed cautious optimism that developments could emerge from the talks, while maintaining a firm stance overall.
U.S. Maintains Military Readiness
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the president is giving the negotiations "some space" to develop, noting that talks are happening at multiple levels — from technical discussions up to the highest levels of government. At the same time, Waltz reiterated that the U.S. military remains "locked and loaded" throughout the negotiation process, and that all options are still on the table.
Meeting With Israel's Prime Minister
The diplomatic push coincides with a visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders are expected to discuss the situation with Iran, progress on negotiations involving Lebanon, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords. Trump acknowledged some differences remain between him and Netanyahu on how to handle Iran, but said the two leaders' positions are still fairly closely aligned overall.
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Regional and Global Stakes
The outcome of the talks carries significant weight for stability in the Middle East, global energy markets, and international security more broadly. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical corridor for global oil shipments, so renewed tension there could have a direct impact on energy prices worldwide. Meanwhile, a new nuclear agreement, if reached, could meaningfully shift the regional security balance.
Officials involved continue to pursue indirect negotiations, with mediators working to keep both sides engaged despite unresolved disagreements over key issues. Trump's approach — combining diplomacy with continued military pressure — reflects a broader strategy the administration has taken as both Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves.
