Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Iran, stating that Tehran faces a clear choice between reaching a diplomatic agreement with Washington or risking stronger action if negotiations fail.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States remains focused on ensuring that Iran is permanently prevented from developing nuclear weapons. While reiterating his preference for diplomacy, he warned that the US has the capability to respond decisively if talks collapse.
“We want a peaceful resolution, but we are fully prepared if that does not happen,” Trump said, adding that his administration’s objective is to secure a lasting agreement rather than prolong tensions in the region.
The remarks come as Iran continues official mourning ceremonies following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the recent conflict between Iran and a US-backed military campaign.
Trump maintained that military action is not his preferred option, saying that a negotiated settlement would avoid further hardship for the Iranian population. However, he insisted that Washington would not compromise on its demand that Iran abandon any path toward acquiring nuclear weapons.
He also referred to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, saying the US expects strict guarantees that the country’s nuclear programme will remain exclusively peaceful under any future arrangement.
Despite his firm warning, Trump clarified that his administration is not seeking to remove Iran’s government, emphasising that the focus remains on security rather than regime change.
The latest comments follow a series of strong statements exchanged between Washington and Tehran despite the ceasefire that ended active hostilities last month. Trump recently suggested that senior Iranian leaders gathered during funeral events could have been targeted but said such a move was avoided because diplomatic channels were still open.
Iranian officials strongly criticised those remarks, accusing the US President of disrespecting the country’s leadership and national mourning. Tehran has maintained that external pressure will not alter its position and has defended the public participation witnessed during Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies.
Although negotiations are expected to resume after the mourning period concludes, relations between the two countries remain tense, with both governments continuing to issue conflicting messages over the future of nuclear talks and regional security.
