U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to negotiate a deal on nuclear weapons through diplomacy, warning that any failure could result in severe retaliation. On Wednesday, Iran responded by stating it would fight back if threatened, asserting its readiness for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests but warned of an unprecedented response should it be pushed.
The Republican U.S. president noted his previous warnings were followed by a military strike in June. Trump posted on social media, “Hopefully Iran will quickly come to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out.”
Iran’s mission at the United Nations countered with its own statement, quoting Trump: “Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives.” It added that Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect but warned of fighting back if pushed.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not been in contact with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days or requested negotiations, according to state media reports.
U.S. officials reported that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and supporting warships were heading toward Iran, which followed increased tensions between the two countries due to a crackdown on protests across Iran by its clerical authorities in recent weeks.
Trump has previously threatened intervention if Iran resumed its nuclear program after Israeli and U.S. forces struck key facilities in June. The United States’ move towards Iran came amid declining nationwide demonstrations against economic hardships and political repression in Iran, which had abated following the countrywide protests.