The United States warned Iran on Wednesday that it stands ready to resume military action if negotiations fail to meet President Donald Trump's demands, particularly a complete ban on Tehran's nuclear weapons programme.
Trump's administration said the US is "more than capable" of launching a fresh conflict if Iran refuses to accept Washington's conditions for any agreement. The threat marks a significant hardening of rhetoric as talks between the two nations remain deadlocked over the terms of a potential deal.
The dispute centres on whether Iran will permanently abandon its nuclear weapons aspirations. The US insists any agreement must include ironclad guarantees that Tehran cannot develop atomic weapons, a position Iran has resisted throughout negotiations. Washington has previously warned that it will not accept a deal that leaves room for Iran to pursue nuclear capability later.
The warning comes as diplomats from both sides struggle to find common ground. Iran's negotiators have maintained that their nuclear programme serves peaceful purposes and have pushed back against what they call excessive American demands. The stalemate has left the international community anxious about the prospect of renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Trump has made clear his administration will not return to the 2015 nuclear deal, which his predecessor signed and which the US withdrew from in 2018. That agreement limited Iran's nuclear programme but did not require complete abandonment of nuclear technology. Trump's team argues the original deal was flawed and insufficient to prevent Iran from eventually developing weapons.
US officials have indicated they will continue talks but have set a deadline for reaching agreement. If Iran does not meet American conditions by that date, the administration said military options remain on the table. Iran's leadership has vowed not to capitulate to what it calls American bullying and has said it will defend itself if attacked.
Both nations have mobilised military assets in the region. The US has deployed additional warships and aircraft to the Persian Gulf, while Iran has conducted military exercises and tested ballistic missiles. Analysts warn that miscalculation or an unexpected incident could trigger an armed conflict neither side says it wants.
Diplomatic channels remain open. The next round of talks is scheduled for next month in a neutral location. American negotiators are expected to present a revised proposal that they say accommodates some Iranian concerns while maintaining firm positions on nuclear weapons restrictions.
