US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging the country to return to nuclear deal or face a significantly harsher military response. The call comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and the presence of a US naval strike group in the region.
Trump Calls for Swift Nuclear Negotiations
In a social media statement, President Trump emphasized the urgency of Iran engaging in a “fair and equitable” nuclear deal that prohibits nuclear weapons. He warned that time is running out and highlighted that his previous warning was followed by a US military strike, cautioning that “the next attack will be far worse.” Trump also mentioned that another naval “armada” is en route to the region.
Iranian and Turkish Responses
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that there have been no recent contacts with the US special envoy regarding negotiations. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke out against military action, describing attacks on Iran as wrong and emphasizing Iran’s readiness to negotiate on the nuclear issue once again.
Fidan advised the US to address issues with Iran individually, starting with the nuclear file, to avoid overwhelming Tehran and making negotiations difficult. He also stressed the importance of Iran building regional trust and expressed hope that diplomacy would help Iran navigate the current challenges.
Regional Context and US Military Presence
The US has deployed a naval strike force led by an aircraft carrier to Middle Eastern waters, signaling preparedness for potential military action amid Iran’s crackdown on protests and internet restrictions. While Washington has not ruled out intervention, Turkey, a NATO member sharing a border with Iran, has consistently opposed military operations targeting the Islamic Republic.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently described the unrest in Iran as a “new test” and pledged to oppose any initiatives that could destabilize the region, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as solutions.
