Trump renews Iran nuclear threats, signals possible military action as tensions surge

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran on January 28, issuing a renewed and stark warning to Tehran over its nuclear programme and threatening military action if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, reported CNN.

The warning comes against a backdrop of mounting regional strain and divergent positions on diplomacy and defence.

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said a large U.S. 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.

“…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! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL…” – President DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/H6qLbw3Ndi

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 28, 2026

Trump’s comments invoked past US military action, including a June 2025 campaign when American forces struck multiple Iranian nuclear facilities in coordination with Israel, an operation that Washington said significantly set back Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The president’s latest statement emphasized that military pressure remains an option if diplomacy stalls, reported CNN.

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 criticized 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 in the event of US military action. Some Iranian officials framed any attack as the start of broader conflict, with potential responses targeting US interests and regional partners.

Trump’s hardened language reflects a shift from earlier US rhetoric focused primarily on human rights concerns in Iran. In recent months, Tehran has faced international criticism for its crackdown on domestic protests, but the White House rhetoric increasingly places the nuclear issue at the center of US strategic priorities, reported CNN.

As of now, neither side has indicated a willingness to step back from its position. Washington continues to press for a deal ending Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, while Tehran maintains its right to peaceful nuclear activities and insists that negotiations occur without threats. (ANI)