Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Friday, urging the country to reach an agreement with the U.S. and Israel or face even harsher consequences amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had offered Iran multiple opportunities for dialogue, but they “failed to deliver.” He warned that if Iran didn’t act soon, the repercussions would be beyond anything they anticipated. He emphasized the military superiority of the U.S., stating, “America produces the most powerful and advanced military equipment in the world—by far—and Israel possesses a great deal of it, with more to come.” Trump further added that many hardline Iranian figures “who spoke boldly are now dead,” warning that the situation would deteriorate further.
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These remarks followed deadly Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Shiraz, reportedly killing high-ranking military officials and several nuclear scientists. Iran responded by launching more than 100 drones toward Israel, heightening the already volatile situation.
Trump appeared to support Israel’s military actions, describing the unfolding events as part of a necessary deterrence strategy. He cautioned that future operations could be even more destructive and labeled the current violence a “slaughter.” Trump urged Iran to act fast: “Make a deal before it’s too late and save what was once the Iranian Empire. Stop the death and destruction—just do it.”
Campaigning for a return to the White House in the 2024 elections, Trump reiterated his historically aggressive approach toward Iran, having previously withdrawn the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal and enforced heavy sanctions during his presidency.
His comments arrive amid heightened tensions. Israel defends its military offensive as a targeted effort to eliminate threats associated with Iran’s weapons programs and militant activities. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pledged strong retaliation for what he termed a Zionist crime.
Amid these developments, the United Nations and regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have urged both sides to exercise restraint, warning that further escalation could spark a widespread regional conflict.