Following Israel’s large-scale military offensive on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, former U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a stark warning to Tehran: act now or face total devastation. Speaking in a series of televised interviews and on social media, Trump reiterated that “there is still time” for Iran to return to the negotiating table and avoid what he called “total annihilation.”
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter end,” Trump wrote on June 13. “Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left.”
The Israeli strikes, reportedly targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment plants and high-level defense assets in and around Tehran, have sparked a severe escalation in the region. The bombings have intensified fears of a broader Middle East conflict, potentially drawing in global powers and destabilizing the already fragile region.
Trump, who famously withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has long advocated for a tougher stance on Iran. He is now leveraging the current crisis to call for a revised nuclear agreement that places stricter limits on Iran’s nuclear program. “Iran is at a crossroads,” he said. “They can either choose diplomacy and prosperity or stay on the road to destruction.”
Although the United States has denied direct involvement in the Israeli strikes, Trump strongly reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel. He warned that any further aggression from Iran could prompt an even harsher response, both from Israel and its allies. “Our support for Israel is unwavering. We won’t stand idly by if Iran continues its aggression,” Trump added.
Global reactions to both the Israeli strikes and Trump’s statements have been mixed. While some world leaders have echoed the call for renewed negotiations, others have warned that such rhetoric could further inflame tensions. Iranian officials have condemned the attacks and promised retaliation, while maintaining that their nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
CBS News
International observers suggest that Trump’s statements are aimed at applying maximum pressure on Iran’s regime while keeping diplomatic options open. His previous strategy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation remains a key part of his broader foreign policy vision, which centers on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
As the geopolitical stakes rise, Trump’s remarks are being closely analyzed by diplomats, analysts, and military strategists around the world. With both diplomacy and conflict hanging in the balance, Iran’s next move could determine the course of events in the Middle East for years to come.
