Trump Warns Iran of Military Action if Nuclear Deal Talks Fail

Washington D.C. - President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat that the United States could use military force against Iran if it refuses to accept a nuclear deal and end its nuclear weapon program. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that Iran "can't have a nuclear weapon" and warned that if talks don't go well, “Iran is going to be in great danger.”

Trump announced on Monday that US officials would meet with Iranian officials on Saturday to discuss a nuclear deal. When asked if the US could use military action against Iran if the Iranian government refused to accept a nuclear deal, Trump responded, "Oh, if necessary? Absolutely." He stressed that while the US has some time to negotiate, it's limited, as “we're not going to let them have a nuclear weapon.”

The President expressed his desire for Iran to "thrive" and be "great," but firmly stated that the "only thing they can't have is a nuclear weapon." Trump claimed that Iran was "broke" under his first administration but expected Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon under the Biden-Harris administration due to policy differences.

Regarding potential military action, Trump stated, "If it requires military, we're going to have military. Israel will, obviously, be very much involved in that. They'll be the leader of that, but nobody leads us. We do what we want to do." When asked about the timeline for concluding negotiations, Trump said it would be when he determines the talks aren't going well.

Trump added, "I can’t really be specific. But when you start talks, you know if they’re going along well or not. And I would say the conclusion would be when I think they’re not going along well." He also mentioned, “I'm not asking for much. I just — I don’t — they can’t have a nuclear weapon.