President Donald Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to negotiate a nuclear weapons agreement, warning that rejecting diplomacy would trigger military action “far worse” than previous strikes. Tehran responded by threatening retaliation against the United States, Israel, and their allies.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out; it is truly of the essence!” Trump posted on social media.
The president, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term, noted his previous warning preceded June’s military strike. “The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” Trump wrote, confirming a U.S. “armada” was approaching the Islamic Republic.
Iranian officials issued defiant responses. Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared any American military action would provoke Iranian strikes against the U.S., Israel, and supporting nations.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated Iran’s armed forces “are prepared – with their fingers on the trigger – to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression.”
However, Araqchi added Iran remains open to a “mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL – on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation.”
