Trump Warns of ‘Project Freedom Plus’ if Iran Talks Fail

WASHINGTON, May 9: US President Donald Trump said Washington could escalate its approach toward Iran if ongoing negotiations fail, warning that the administration may move toward what he described as “Project Freedom Plus.”

Speaking about the stalled talks, Trump said the US was still seeking agreements but indicated that alternative measures remained on the table if diplomacy did not succeed.

“We’ll go a different route if everything doesn’t get signed up, buttoned up,” Trump said. “We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen — but it’ll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.”

Trump did not elaborate on what additional measures the expanded strategy would involve, but the remarks signaled a possible tougher stance amid continuing tensions with Tehran.

Asked whether Iran was deliberately slowing progress in negotiations, Trump said he expects a response from Tehran soon, suggesting Washington is awaiting clarity on the next phase of talks.