Trump Warns Iran of Serious Consequences Over Deal Negotiations
President Trump cautioned on Thursday that Iran could face “very traumatic” outcomes if a “good and fair” deal with the United States isn’t established within a month, hinting at a potential punitive “phase two” if negotiations fail.
This statement came at a White House press conference following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When asked if he had any changes in his stance regarding the negotiations, Trump reiterated the need for a deal.
“We have to make a deal, or it’s going to be very traumatic, very traumatic,” Trump stated, emphasizing that he hopes to avoid such a scenario.
Trump referenced Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities about six months ago, suggesting that Iran should have initiated the deal instead. “Instead, we got the Midnight Hammer,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his recent meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said it went well and that ultimately, the decision lies with him. He added, “If this deal is not a very fair deal for Iran, I think it’s going to be a very difficult time for Iran.”
Trump mentioned that he expects an agreement to be reached soon, stating, “It’s probably going to take next month.” When pressed about halting dialogue with Iran, he dismissed that idea, saying, “I’ll talk to them as much as I want,” while warning of tough consequences if they don’t reach an agreement.
Netanyahu, who departed Washington on Thursday, noted that their discussions focused largely on Iran. He conveyed Trump’s belief that Iranians recognize the gravity of the situation. Netanyahu indicated that the conditions set by Trump, along with Iran’s past mistakes in negotiations, could lead to what he considers a “good deal.”
Despite being generally skeptical about any deal with Iran, Netanyahu insisted that if an agreement materializes, it should address not only the nuclear issue but also ballistic missiles and Iranian proxies.
Earlier this week, Trump had issued a strong warning, advising that Iran would be “stupid” not to negotiate as U.S. troops moved into position. He mentioned the deployment of a significant military fleet to the region and noted that it would be unwise not to achieve a deal.
“Last time we removed their nuclear weapons, and this time we’ll have to see if we remove more nuclear weapons…” Trump cautioned.
Iran maintains that negotiations will only address nuclear enrichment levels, rejecting discussions on missiles and regional forces. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that indirect talks could progress if the U.S. demonstrates “necessary seriousness” and abandons what Iran views as unrealistic demands.
On Wednesday, a key adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader reaffirmed that the regime’s missile program is a non-negotiable “red line.” During a rally commemorating the 1979 revolution, demonstrators displayed hostility towards the U.S., including burning flags and mocking military figures.
Heightened rhetoric from Iran coincides with increased military defenses in sensitive areas. For instance, satellite imagery revealed ongoing construction at the Isfahan nuclear facility, suggesting concern over potential U.S. or Israeli attacks. The U.S. has also been reinforcing its military presence, including preparations for deploying an additional carrier strike group to the Middle East.
In a recent move, reports emerged that the Trump administration had secretly sent thousands of satellite internet terminals to Iran to support dissidents amid government-imposed internet shutdowns.
While Trump has kept diplomatic lines open, he emphasized the urgency for a deal, warning, “We have to make a deal. Otherwise, it would be very traumatic.”
