Washington, Jan. 28 (GeokHub) U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, saying failure to reach an agreement would result in a far more severe U.S. military response than previous strikes.
In a social media post, Trump urged Tehran to pursue what he described as a fair and comprehensive agreement that permanently bars Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, warning that time for diplomacy was rapidly running out.
He referenced earlier U.S. and allied airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, saying those attacks followed a prior warning and that any future action would be significantly more forceful.
Iran Threatens Retaliation
Iranian officials responded swiftly, vowing to retaliate against the United States, Israel and any nations supporting military action against Tehran.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said any U.S. strike would trigger direct retaliation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi added that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to respond immediately and decisively to any aggression.
At the same time, Araqchi said Iran remains open to negotiations on a nuclear agreement, provided talks are conducted without threats or coercion and respect Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.
Iranian state media reported that Araqchi has not recently communicated with U.S. officials or requested negotiations.
U.S. Naval Forces Move Into Position
Trump said a U.S. naval task force led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was approaching Iranian waters, reinforcing Washington’s military posture amid rising tensions.
U.S. warships began repositioning from the Asia-Pacific region last week as relations deteriorated following unrest inside Iran and renewed concerns over its nuclear activities.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States would intervene if Iran resumes nuclear development or escalates internal repression, though nationwide protests in Iran have eased in recent weeks.
Washington Sees Strategic Opening
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Iran’s leadership is under severe economic and political pressure, describing the country’s economy as near collapse and suggesting unrest could flare again.
However, U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s ruling structure remains largely intact despite economic hardship, according to officials familiar with the matter.
A senior U.S. official said Trump has not yet decided on further military action, adding that Washington believes Iran’s weakened position may create leverage for renewed negotiations on nuclear restrictions and broader regional issues.
Europe Weighs Tougher Measures
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing additional sanctions against Iran in response to its handling of recent protests. EU officials are also considering designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, a move that would further escalate diplomatic pressure.
EU foreign ministers are expected to formalize the measures at a meeting in Brussels later this week.
