US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face serious consequences if it does not reach an agreement with Washington, as both sides signal tentative openness to renewed diplomatic engagement over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Mr Trump said discussions with Iran were under way and suggested that a negotiated outcome remained possible. However, he cautioned that failure to secure a deal would lead to unspecified repercussions.
“We’re talking to Iran right now,” the president said. “If we can work something out, that would be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.”
His comments came after Iranian officials indicated they were prepared to begin talks with the United States, a development that could mark a shift after months of heightened tensions and mutual recriminations.
Mr Trump declined to elaborate on whether military options were being considered, but he underscored that the United States was reinforcing its military posture in the Middle East. He noted that an aircraft carrier strike group he had ordered to the region was expected to arrive shortly, describing the deployment as part of what he called a “tremendous force”.
The White House has repeatedly insisted that its objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while saying it prefers diplomacy over confrontation. Tehran, for its part, maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, though Western governments have long questioned those assurances.
The exchange highlights the fragile state of US-Iran relations, with cautious diplomatic signals unfolding alongside overt displays of military strength. Whether the renewed rhetoric leads to substantive negotiations or further escalation remains uncertain, as both sides continue to balance pressure with the prospect of dialogue.
