US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of “very traumatic” consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement with Washington, signaling the possibility of tougher measures should diplomacy collapse.
Speaking to reporters a day after hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said the United States hopes to see progress in negotiations with Iran within the next month.
“We have to make a deal. If we don’t, it will be very traumatic for Iran,” Trump said, adding that while he prefers a diplomatic outcome, alternative options remain on the table.
Military Pressure Remains an Option
Trump referenced previous US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during last year’s brief but intense Israel-Iran conflict, noting that Washington is prepared to escalate pressure if talks fail. He also indicated that sending an additional US aircraft carrier to the Middle East is under consideration.
“If we can’t reach an agreement, we’ll move to phase two — and that will be very tough for them,” Trump said.
Netanyahu Expresses Doubts Over Any Agreement
Netanyahu traveled to Washington to urge a stricter US position in the nuclear talks, particularly calling for limitations on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its regional influence.
While acknowledging Trump’s efforts to create conditions for a deal, Netanyahu publicly expressed skepticism about the outcome.
“I will not hide that I have serious concerns about the quality of any agreement with Iran,” he said before returning to Israel.
Israel Seeks Broader Constraints on Iran
The Israeli prime minister stressed that any deal must go beyond nuclear restrictions. From Israel’s perspective, a comprehensive agreement should also address Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for regional armed groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
“It’s not only about the nuclear issue,” Netanyahu said.
US–Israel Differences Emerge Despite Strong Ties
Despite differing views on the Iran negotiations, Trump reaffirmed his personal support for Netanyahu and criticized Israeli President Isaac Herzog for refusing to grant the prime minister a pardon in ongoing corruption cases.
Trump’s remarks highlight the close personal relationship between the two leaders, even as strategic differences persist.
Nuclear Talks Resume Amid Regional Tensions
The renewed US-Iran negotiations resumed last week with talks in Oman, following a pause caused by the Israel-Iran conflict and US airstrikes. However, Tehran has rejected expanding discussions beyond its nuclear program.
Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons and has stated it will not accept what it describes as excessive or politically motivated demands.
