Tensions between the United States and Iran surged Sunday after Donald Trump warned that failure to secure a nuclear agreement could lead to devastating military action.
“If they don’t sign this deal, the whole country is going to get blown up,” Trump told Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst.
The warning comes days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire. U.S. officials are pushing for last-minute negotiations, but both sides remain far apart on key demands.
Trump intensified his rhetoric in a series of public statements, outlining potential strikes on Iran’s infrastructure. “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” he wrote.
The comments arrive as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Reports indicate Iranian forces have restricted vessel movement, raising concerns about oil supply disruptions.
According to the Independent, a U.K.-based maritime security group confirmed an incident involving a commercial tanker. “The Master of a Tanker reports being approached by 2 IRGC gun boats, no VHF challenge that then fired upon the tanker. Tanker and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating,” the agency said.
Iran’s military signaled it would respond to U.S. pressure. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said: “As long as the traffic of vessels to and from Iran is threatened by the U.S, the status of the Strait of Hormuz will be as before, more restricted.”
“Every breach by the US will meet an appropriate response,” the IRGC naval command added.
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Diplomatic efforts appear unstable. Talks held last week in Pakistan collapsed without agreement. JD Vance, who led those discussions, failed to identify any breakthrough after extended negotiations.
New talks are expected, with envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, confusion remains over leadership roles. Trump later stated Vance would not attend the next round due to “security reasons,” contradicting earlier remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
At the center of the dispute is Iran’s nuclear program. The U.S. demands full dismantling of nuclear facilities, surrender of enriched materials, and a permanent halt to uranium enrichment. Iranian officials have resisted those terms, calling them excessive.
The U.S. has also increased pressure through economic and military measures, including a blockade of Iranian ports aimed at cutting off oil exports to major buyers such as China and Russia.
Trump previously claimed “victory” over Iran and stated that the Strait of Hormuz was open to global shipping. That claim now faces scrutiny as fresh incidents raise doubts about maritime security in the region.
Critics argue Trump’s threats targeting civilian infrastructure could violate international law. Supporters say the approach is necessary to force compliance and prevent nuclear escalation.
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