“It’s Too Late for Talks, I May Strike Iran — Or Maybe Not,” Says Trump
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump issued a pointed, though ambiguous, warning toward Iran amid the escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran.
During a brief encounter with reporters on the White House South Lawn while unveiling a new flagpole, Trump was asked if the U.S. planned to launch strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. His reply was deliberately vague yet firm.
“You don’t really expect me to reveal my plans,” Trump said when pressed about a potential attack. “I might do it, or I might not. Nobody knows for sure. But one thing is clear: Iran is in serious trouble.”
Trump criticized Iran’s late attempt to negotiate, saying, “If they wanted to talk, why didn’t they come to me before all this destruction and loss of life?”
The remarks came just a day after Trump convened his national security advisors in the Situation Room, signaling increased U.S. involvement as tensions between Iran and Israel enter a critical second week.
The conflict sharply intensified after Israel launched preemptive strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, provoking retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.
“Iran has shown hostility for decades — ‘death to America, death to Israel,’ that was their mantra. They used to act like bullies, but not anymore,” Trump said. “We’ll see how this unfolds.”
He also revealed that Iranian officials recently proposed talks, even suggesting a visit to the White House. Trump acknowledged the offer but dismissed it as “too little, too late,” though he called the initiative “courageous.”
“They wanted to come here, which isn’t easy for them. But the timing is off — things are very different now compared to a week ago,” he said.
Trump doubled down on his demands for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” warning of severe consequences if they refuse.
“It’s straightforward: either they surrender, or we destroy their nuclear infrastructure,” he said firmly.
He further claimed Iran’s air defenses were “completely ineffective,” boasting, “We have total air control.”
Regarding Russia’s offer to mediate, Trump said, “I spoke with President Putin yesterday. He offered to help, but I told him to fix Russia first before getting involved here.”
In a rare moment of empathy, Trump commented on the Iranian people: “They’re intelligent, energetic, complicated — but the conflict is foolish. This is just like the pointless wars in Ukraine and Russia that wouldn’t have happened if I were in charge.”
Trump also alleged that casualties have been underreported. “Many more people have died than what’s been shared publicly. It’s ridiculous to say otherwise.”
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Iran’s Response: Threats of ‘Irreparable Damage’ if U.S. Attacks
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s warnings as “nonsense,” insisting any American military action would cause “irreparable harm” to the U.S.
“Wise people who understand Iran don’t threaten us,” Khamenei stated in a video message. “The Iranian people will never surrender.”
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also warned of a “full-scale war” should the U.S. intervene militarily. Despite enduring heavy Israeli air raids, Iran insists it will continue its uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes and rejects Trump’s demands to halt its nuclear program.
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Rising Death Toll Amid Waning Strikes
According to the Human Rights Activists group based in Washington, Israeli attacks have killed at least 585 Iranians — including 239 civilians — mainly around Tehran. Iran has retaliated with over 400 missile strikes, causing damage and 24 deaths in central Israel.
Israeli officials, however, say Iran’s missile capabilities are weakening. Reflecting growing confidence, Israel has relaxed some restrictions, allowing limited public gatherings and office work to resume.
Trump closed his remarks with a rhetorical question: “Who thinks it’s acceptable for a hostile nation to possess nuclear weapons capable of destroying 25 miles or more?”
As the situation remains tense, the world watches closely to see what steps Trump and Tehran will take next.
