Donald Trump says he wants diplomacy with Iran. But he made it clear that talks can move forward only under one condition. His latest warning came after another round of military strikes. The exchange pushed the region closer to a wider conflict.
U.S. officials insist negotiations remain possible despite the escalating violence. They also say Tehran now holds the next move.
Donald Trump put the next move on Iran, insisting any negotiations begin with a cease-fire
According to the New York Post, a U.S. official said Trump wants peace talks to begin only after Iran agrees to a cease-fire.
“That’s the basis for any type of negotiation; it starts with a cease-fire, and it has to start with Iran,” the official said.
The source also pointed to divisions within Iran’s leadership, claiming civilian officials have pursued diplomacy while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has continued military operations.
“It’s incumbent on the Iranian leadership to get their house in order,” the official added.
The Trump administration reportedly continues working through technical teams and international mediators while pushing for a broader agreement. Officials also said Trump opposes any tolls on commercial traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the White House warned that further attacks would trigger a swift response.
“The president has been very clear that he wants a deal done sooner rather than later,” the official said. “But if the Iranians are going to keep attacking ships, attacking U.S. bases, attacking Gulf allies, then there will be a price to pay for that.”
The warning followed U.S. strikes on military command centers, missile facilities, drone sites, and other defense targets after Iran launched attacks on American forces.
Trump also delivered a blunt message during an interview with Fox News.
“We’ll be hitting them hard,” he said. “They’re going to get a beating.”
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Iranian officials also vowed Washington would “pay the price” following reported civilian casualties from strikes on Qeshm Island.
Despite the latest military exchanges, Trump later said negotiations would continue, adding, “We’re going to let them keep talking.”
TELL US – DO YOU THINK A CEASE-FIRE BETWEEN THE U.S. AND IRAN IS STILL POSSIBLE AFTER THE LATEST EXCHANGE OF STRIKES?
