Make nuclear deal or next attack will be ‘far worse’, Trump warns Iran

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned Iran to come to the negotiating table on nuclear weapons or face a far harsher military response.

Trump wrote on social media: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!”

The Republican president, who withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran during his first term, noted that his previous warning had been followed by a US airstrike in June. “The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” he added, while repeating that a US “armada” was heading toward Iran.

Trump said the naval force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is approaching the Islamic Republic. Two US officials confirmed the carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not been in contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days and had not requested negotiations, according to state media.

The deployment comes after US-Iranian tensions escalated following a violent crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran by the clerical authorities. Trump has repeatedly threatened action if Tehran continues to target civilians.

He also warned that the United States would respond if Iran resumed its nuclear program following June airstrikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on key nuclear facilities.