Trump Warns of Potential Military Action Against Iran

President Trump indicated on Tuesday that Iran may soon face “another major blow” and suggested that there was only “an hour” left to authorize a military strike before Gulf allies advocated for further negotiation time.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, he noted that the administration was close to taking military action following a request from regional partners for a pause in hostilities.

“We were ready to go,” Trump stated. “We could have left tomorrow. It’s a significant situation, but it’s not what I would prefer. However, we can’t allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, so we feel we have no option.”

The president mentioned that there was just “an hour” to finalize the military decision. He explained that a strike could have occurred immediately.

Trump relayed that regional leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE urged him to hold off on military measures, as they believed negotiations had made enough progress to justify a few more days of diplomacy.

These conversations gained urgency as allies recognized that the U.S. was inching closer to military action, prompting them to call for more time for discussions. Trump remarked that the Iranian government appeared more open to negotiations than previously.

He acknowledged that this diplomatic opportunity might be fleeting, making it clear that the U.S. was ready to resume military options swiftly if talks faltered again.

According to Trump, Tehran will likely reassess its stance later this week, possibly extending into early next week, regarding the negotiations.

He once more tied this urgent timeline to his firm stance that Iran should never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, asserting that he believes Iran would eventually deploy such weapons if they acquired them.

While expressing hope for a diplomatic resolution, Trump emphasized that military options remain very much on the table if negotiations do not succeed.

Trump cautioned, “We may have to deliver an even bigger blow to them.” He added that he would feel “very happy” if a deal could be struck to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities without resorting to a large-scale military campaign.

He also noted that his administration had informed Israel and regional partners about the pause in military action, describing it as a “very positive development,” but he warned that any apparent progress might quickly unravel.

Reports revealed that after publicly delaying the intended strike, Trump met with national security officials to review military options as the administration weighed both diplomatic and military strategies.

Vice President J.D. Vance mentioned that ongoing divisions within Iran complicate the negotiation process. He pointed out that American officials struggle to decipher whether Iran’s conflicting messages stem from internal disagreements or strategic adjustments.

“It’s sometimes difficult to grasp what the Iranian side wants from these negotiations,” Vance noted.

He also stressed that while the administration continues to hope for a diplomatic outcome, the situation stands at a “stalemate” should negotiations fail.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials publicly reaffirmed a position that diverges little from a previous proposal that Trump had called “garbage” and “totally unacceptable.”

Iran’s state-run media recently outlined demands that include lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, compensating for wartime damages, removing the U.S. naval blockade, pulling U.S. troops from areas near Iran, and maintaining what they assert is their right to enrich uranium.

This stance remains at odds with Trump’s demand for Iran to entirely abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iranian leaders, however, appeared unyielding, rejecting the notion that Trump’s actions indicated any success from U.S. pressure.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran is ready for a renewed conflict, asserting that the nation will not yield to military threats.

“For us, surrender means nothing. It’s either we win, or we become martyrs,” he proclaimed.

Iranian military officials warned of the potential for “opening a new front” if hostilities resume.

On a separate note, Centcom announced that it has diverted 89 commercial vessels and disabled four ships since the U.S. began its blockade of Iranian ports in April, as part of ongoing efforts to economically strain the regime while negotiations continue.