Trump warns Iran will be hit 'really hard' if nuclear negotiations collapse again

Trump Says US Could Conduct Strike on Iran if Nuclear Negotiations Fail

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States could conduct a military strike on Iran if negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program and related issues collapse. "If they back out again, they're going to get hit really hard," Trump told Fox News' Trace Gallagher. "They know that. They understand that. I have no choice. They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple."

Trump indicated that military action remained an option if diplomacy does not succeed. "The hard hit is yet to come, and hopefully we won't have to use it," he said. His remarks followed a decision to defer a planned military operation that he described as the largest since World War II. Trump said Tehran and several Middle Eastern countries had requested additional time to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program.

"We were going to a tremendous attack, the biggest since World War II, and they called me and said very politely, 'Please, can we talk? Can we talk?' And I said, 'Yes, we can talk. Let's get it done,'" Trump said. Earlier in the week, he described a potential agreement on the strait and nuclear issues as imminent.

Iranian officials have stated that no direct talks with the United States are occurring and that any discussions are proceeding through mediators in Oman. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that Iranian and Omani officials had advanced toward a possible framework for reopening the strait, though talks continued. US officials have described progress in the mediated channel, while Iranian statements have maintained that direct contacts are not taking place.

Trump characterized the current round of negotiations as productive even as Iranian representatives continued to deny direct engagement. "They don't like to admit that, but, well, you know, it's a little bit disconcerting," he said. "It's just such a lie. But it doesn't matter. That's talk. The only thing that matters is action. And they want to make a deal. We'll see what happens. If they don't make a deal, it's going to be too bad."

When asked about the timeline for ending talks after prior breakdowns, Trump said he was not prepared to abandon the diplomatic track. "I have plenty of time," he said. He also noted that earlier administrations had not resolved the nuclear issue and criticized the 2015 agreement reached under former President Barack Obama. "It should have been done by many presidents over many years, and it wasn't, and I'm doing it," Trump said. "Obama was taken to the cleaners."

Trump has previously described the present negotiations as Iran's final opportunity to avoid further US military measures. Initial discussions have centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with the nuclear program to be addressed afterward.

Other news organizations reported statements of concern from international figures, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV, regarding the potential for escalation. Iranian officials have reiterated that any agreement must be reached through the Omani channel and have not confirmed direct bilateral meetings.

Fox News Digital's Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.