Trump Warns Iran of Bombing and Tariffs Over Nuclear Standoff

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening military action and secondary tariffs if Tehran refuses to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Washington. In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump said talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are ongoing but indirect. “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing like they’ve never seen before,” he stated.

Trump also mentioned the possible imposition of secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Iranian goods, similar to those he enacted on Venezuela. “We’ll probably give it a couple of weeks… If we don’t see progress, we’re going to put them on,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Iran responded through Oman to a letter from Trump, reiterating its stance against direct negotiations under U.S. pressure. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that while direct talks are off the table, indirect discussions could continue under guidance from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

During Trump’s first term, he withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, reinstating tough sanctions. Since then, Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment program beyond the deal’s limits, prompting renewed global concerns. Western powers allege Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons capability, while Tehran insists its program is for civilian energy purposes.

Trump’s recent threats underscore heightened tensions amid stalled diplomatic efforts. His strategy includes economic pressure and the possibility of military force if Tehran does not comply. As nuclear talks remain in limbo, global eyes are once again on U.S.-Iran relations, with implications for regional stability and international oil markets.

This development revives fears of renewed conflict and highlights the geopolitical stakes tied to Iran's nuclear ambitions and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.