Trump Pressures Iran to Make Peace, Threatening More US Strikes

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, calling on the country to pursue peace or face the possibility of further U.S. military action. The statement came just one day after coordinated American airstrikes destroyed three of Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities. In a televised speech from Washington, Trump framed the operation as a “measured and necessary response” to what he described as Iran’s continued defiance and threats to regional stability. He claimed the attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan had “crippled Iran’s nuclear infrastructure” and urged Tehran to come to the negotiating table. “Iran has a choice: peace with its neighbors—or escalation that ends badly for them,” Trump stated. “We are prepared for both outcomes.” Diplomatic Ultimatum Trump’s remarks are being interpreted as both a threat and an opening for diplomacy. He confirmed that backchannel communications with European intermediaries were ongoing, but warned that any hostile Iranian response would trigger “even more powerful” military strikes. The U.S. military, meanwhile, has placed its forces in the region on high alert. Officials report that additional aircraft carriers and air support assets have been repositioned closer to the Persian Gulf in anticipation of potential retaliation. Global Tension Mounts The international community remains deeply divided over the U.S. approach. NATO allies, while expressing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, urged restraint and called for multilateral dialogue. China and Russia accused the United States of escalating the conflict and undermining global security. Iran’s leaders have condemned the strikes as an act of aggression and warned that a response is imminent. However, Iranian state media has also acknowledged behind-the-scenes pressure from moderates urging a strategic pause to avoid a broader war. Market Impact Markets continued to react to the crisis, with oil prices remaining elevated amid fears of supply disruptions. Defense stocks saw sharp gains, while investor appetite for risk assets weakened due to geopolitical uncertainty. Outlook With the U.S. now openly threatening further strikes and Iran weighing its options, the future of Middle East stability hangs in the balance. Whether diplomacy can succeed or if this standoff will spiral into a wider conflict will be determined in the coming days.

POLITICS