Trump warned that delays in action risk “very bad consequences,” signalling a hardening stance as tensions escalate over Iran’s uranium enrichment and regional ambitions
News Desk
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has delivered a stark warning to Iran, urging the country to act quickly on what he described as an American proposal concerning its nuclear program.
Speaking from Washington, Trump cautioned that failure to respond swiftly could lead to “very bad consequences,” signalling a toughening stance amid rising tensions over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its broader regional influence. His statement, while brief and lacking specific details about the proposal, seemed intended to ratchet up pressure on Tehran to engage seriously and promptly.
“Iran has our nuclear proposal. What matters now is that they know they must move quickly—or something very bad could happen,” President Trump said, underscoring the urgency he believes is needed.
The response from Iran was immediate and unequivocal. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, firmly denied that Tehran had received any such proposal from the United States. Speaking in Tehran, Araghchi stressed, “We have not received any American proposal,” while reaffirming Iran’s commitment to its nuclear programme. He highlighted that Iran’s right to enrich uranium was earned “through hard work,” and is a sovereign entitlement under international agreements.
Araghchi emphasised that while Iran remains open to dialogue, it insists such negotiations must be “built on mutual respect, not dictated ultimatums.” He rejected any approach perceived as coercive or one-sided, signalling Tehran’s unwillingness to yield under pressure without equitable treatment.
This latest exchange exposes the widening divide between Washington’s increasingly hardline rhetoric and Tehran’s steadfast defence of its nuclear ambitions. While Trump’s warning suggests growing impatience and a willingness to escalate consequences, Iranian officials remain firm, maintaining their current course unless negotiations are conducted on terms they consider respectful and just.
As diplomatic stalemate persists, the risk of miscalculation or confrontation looms, with both sides navigating a precarious balance between assertiveness and the need for dialogue. The international community watches closely, aware that any misstep could have profound regional and global repercussions.
