President Donald Trump has made it clear that Iran must agree to a new nuclear deal or face military action. In an interview with NBC on Sunday, he issued a stark warning. “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombs,” he said. Trump also mentioned that he is considering reintroducing secondary sanctions. These sanctions would punish any country that continues to do business with Iran.
This approach is similar to what he did during his first term. By putting economic pressure on Iran, Trump hopes to force the country back to the negotiating table. However, Iran has shown no interest in direct talks with the U.S.
Iran Rejects Direct Talks but Leaves Room for Backchannel Negotiations
Iranian President Massud Pezeshkian confirmed that Tehran will not engage in direct talks with the Trump administration. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he revealed that Iran responded to Trump’s message through Oman. The response was clear: Iran will not negotiate face-to-face with the U.S.
Despite rejecting direct talks, Pezeshkian hinted at the possibility of indirect negotiations. He stated that Iran might consider diplomacy through backchannels, but only if the U.S. acknowledges past mistakes and works to rebuild trust.
Rising Tensions as Leaders Exchange Warnings
Trump’s warning follows reports that he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier this month. The message was simple: Iran must choose between diplomacy or military conflict.
Iranian leaders were quick to respond. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Qalibaf issued a strong warning, saying that any U.S. attack would spark a regional war. “The entire Middle East will go up like a munitions depot,” he said. He also threatened U.S. military bases and American allies in the region.
This exchange of threats has raised concerns about further instability. Experts fear that a small incident—such as a military strike or naval confrontation—could escalate into a full-scale conflict.
Fallout from the Abandoned Nuclear Deal
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been high since 2018, when Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement. The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
After the U.S. pulled out, Iran began reducing its commitments to the deal. It expanded its uranium enrichment program and took other steps that worried Western nations. At the same time, American sanctions crippled Iran’s economy, leading to one of the worst financial crises in the country’s history.
Many experts believe that renewed negotiations are the best way to prevent a conflict. However, with both sides unwilling to compromise, the chances of diplomacy remain low.
Military Build-Up in the Region
The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the Middle East. American warships are patrolling the Persian Gulf, and military bases in the region have been reinforced. This is meant to deter Iran from making any aggressive moves.
Iran, on the other hand, has continued developing its missile program. The country also has strong ties with armed groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. These groups could launch attacks on U.S. interests if tensions escalate further.
For now, both sides are standing firm. Trump wants Iran to agree to a stricter nuclear deal, while Iran demands an end to sanctions. With neither side backing down, the risk of military conflict remains high.
Diplomatic efforts through countries like Oman may provide a path forward. But unless real progress is made, the situation could quickly turn dangerous.