US President Donald Trump has re-upped threats against Iran, warning that the country will face severe consequences if it continues to pursue its nuclear program. Speaking during a news conference in Scotland beside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said Iran was “sending very bad signals, very nasty signals”. “And they shouldn’t be doing that,” he added. “We wiped out their nuclear possibilities. They can start again. If they do, we’ll wipe it out faster than you can wave your finger at it.” Trump emphasized that the US would take action “gladly, openly and gladly”.
The statement comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted Iran’s right to enrich uranium ahead of talks with the UK, France, and Germany last week. Iranian officials described the talks as “serious, frank and detailed”, but no breakthroughs were announced.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also reiterated that Iran would not abandon its nuclear program, while remaining open to negotiations. However, Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the ceasefire that ended the 12-day war with Israel, stating he was “not very optimistic” about its durability.
Israeli leaders have signaled willingness to restart attacks on Iran, including strikes aimed at toppling the country’s leadership. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that “if you continue to threaten Israel, our long arm will reach Tehran again with even greater power – and this time personally to you, too”. Analysts believe US approval would be crucial for any Israeli resumption of attacks on Iran.
The US and Iran have been engaged in a tense standoff over Iran’s nuclear program, with Trump pulling out of a previous nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in 2018 and imposing economic sanctions on Iran. Trump’s recent military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have sparked controversy, with some questioning their effectiveness in dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Trump initially claimed the June 22 US attacks on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. However, recent intelligence reports suggest the damage may have been less severe, setting the program back by a shorter timeline. Trump has also called Iran’s persistence in pursuing its nuclear program “stupid”.