Trump Warns of ‘Very Strong Military Action’ if Iran Talks Fail, Says Diplomacy Has Limited Time

WASHINGTON, Jul 27: U.S. President Donald Trump said he is giving diplomacy with Iran another opportunity but warned that the United States could resume and expand military operations if negotiations fail, according to an interview with Axios on Monday.

“We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don't work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” Trump told Axios.

Trump said he agreed to pause U.S. strikes against Iran after countries mediating between Washington and Tehran urged him to allow more time for negotiations. He said he believed Iran was interested in reaching a deal but stressed that the window for diplomacy was narrow.

“Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all,” Trump said when asked how long he was prepared to wait for talks to produce results.

Explaining his decision to halt strikes, Trump said: “All of the people that deal with Iran asked me: ‘Don't fire.’” He added, “Nothing gained, nothing lost,” in accepting the mediators’ request.

Trump’s comments came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military exchanges in the region. The U.S. president has repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear capabilities and supporting activities that threaten U.S. allies.

Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. Ahead of the meeting, Trump said he would discuss his view that previous U.S. leadership had allowed Iran’s nuclear program to advance.

“I am going to talk to Bibi about the fact that if I weren't president, Iran would have had nuclear weapons by now and Israel would have been destroyed,” Trump said.