Trump signals possible military action if nuclear negotiations collapse

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US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on Sunday (local time). [AP]
US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on Sunday (local time). [AP]

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that negotiations with Iran were progressing well, while reiterating that he would take firm action if Tehran failed to keep its commitments.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the two sides were "doing very well in terms of getting a fair and reasonable deal."

He went on to say that "if Iran doesn't keep its promises or doesn't act properly, I will do what I have to do."

The remarks were widely interpreted as signaling that Washington could pursue additional pressure — including military measures — should the negotiations break down. However, Trump stopped short of explicitly threatening a direct military strike against Iran, using the phrase "what I have to do" rather than more pointed language.

Trump also said "there will be no problem as long as Iran respects us" — a warning against making excessive demands or taking actions that deviate from any agreed framework during the negotiating process.

Trump added that the Strait of Hormuz was fully open. He also praised Vice President JD Vance, who led the US negotiating team, saying he had done "a great job."

The United States and Iran held their first high-level follow-up talks in Switzerland on Saturday, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on an end of war, and agreed to continue working-level negotiations.


mokiya@heraldcorp.com