Trump warns Iran over nuclear program, threatens military action

A state building is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting a symbolic image of the destroyed USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in Tehran. Pic/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran on Wednesday, issuing a warning to Tehran over its nuclear program and threatening military action if negotiations fail. The warning comes against a backdrop of mounting regional strain and divergent positions on diplomacy and defence.

Trump said a large US naval force, described as a "massive armada" led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward Iran. He expressed urgency on Iran returning to the negotiating table and urged Tehran to reach an agreement that would bar nuclear weapons development. "Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - No nuclear weapons," Trump wrote, warning that "time is running out" and that if Iran does not comply, the next attack "will be far worse" than prior strikes.

Meanwhile, Iran's leadership rejected the notion that talks could proceed under the shadow of military threats. According to state media, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "There can be no negotiations in an atmosphere of threats," and criticised Washington's pressure tactics as ineffective and counterproductive. While Tehran reiterated openness to a "mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal," it insisted such discussions must occur free of coercion. The Iranian response also conveyed warnings of strong retaliation.

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