US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed threats against Iran over its nuclear programme. He said time was running out for Tehran to reach a deal.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post after Iran rejected talks. He urged Tehran to return to negotiations and accept a deal that barred nuclear weapons.
He said Iran must “come to the table” and agree to what he called a fair and equitable agreement. He warned that the United States would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump also said a large US naval force was heading toward Iran. He warned that the window for diplomacy was closing.
Referring to past actions, Trump said Iran had ignored earlier warnings. He cited “Operation Midnight Hammer” as a major blow to Iran. He warned that any future attack would be far worse.
Iran responded by rejecting negotiations under military pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy could not succeed through threats.
In televised comments, Araghchi said negotiations required an end to military pressure. He said talks could only progress if threats and excessive demands stopped.
Trump has repeatedly kept the option of military action open. Washington previously backed and joined Israel during a 12-day war in June aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Earlier this month, Trump also threatened Iran over its handling of anti-government protests. In recent days, however, both sides signalled a willingness to give diplomacy a chance.
Iranian officials have also engaged in quiet diplomacy with Arab states. They sought regional support amid rising tensions.
Meanwhile, a US naval strike group has arrived in the Middle East. US Central Command confirmed the deployment.
The strike group is led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The US military did not disclose its exact location.