As tensions surge following Israel’s major airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran: reach a nuclear agreement or face further devastation.
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left… JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
In another post, Trump added: “Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to “make a deal.” They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!”
Trump revealed he had advance knowledge of the Israeli operation, which targeted around 100 Iranian sites. Among the dead were top military figures, including Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami, according to Iranian media.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump confirmed his awareness of the strikes and emphasized, “Tehran cannot have a nuclear bomb.” He reiterated the U.S. desire to return to diplomatic talks, stating, “We are hoping to get back to the negotiating table.”
Despite supporting Israel’s actions, Trump maintained that Washington was not directly involved in the strikes. “We of course support Israel, obviously, and supported it like nobody has ever supported it,” he told CNN, but clarified that the operation was unilateral.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that message, stating, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He added, “Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as a “crime” committed by “satanic, bloodstained hands.” He warned Israel to prepare for a “severe punishment,” adding, “The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate.”
The region remains on high alert as world powers urge restraint. A sixth round of nuclear negotiations was scheduled to take place in Oman, but diplomatic sources say the likelihood of those talks proceeding is slim following recent developments.
Britain, meanwhile, has distanced itself from the Israeli operation. According to The Times, the UK has decided not to intervene militarily on Israel’s behalf in this round of conflict, a departure from its limited involvement during a previous flare-up.
Pakistan has condemned the Israeli airstrikes, calling them “unjustified and illegitimate,” and described the action as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law.
With the Middle East teetering on the edge of wider conflict, the message from Washington is clear: Iran must come back to the table before diplomacy becomes impossible.