Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran: “Clock Is Ticking” for Stronger U.S. Strikes
President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to Iran, stating that time is running out for Tehran to present a stronger proposal in ongoing negotiations or face significantly escalated U.S. military action.
In a phone interview with Axios, Trump emphasized that the Iranian regime must improve its offer to reach a deal ending the conflict, or it would “get hit much harder.” He underscored the urgency, telling the news outlet, “The clock is ticking. They better get moving fast or they are not gonna have anything left.”
Trump expressed his preference for a diplomatic resolution but made clear that patience is wearing thin. “We want to make a deal. They are not where we want them to be. They will have to get there, or they will be hit badly, and they don’t want that,” he said. The president indicated the United States would strike Iran “much harder than before” without a better proposal and declined to specify any firm deadline for the talks.
U.S. officials note that while Trump seeks an agreement to halt the war, Iran’s resistance to key demands—particularly regarding its nuclear program—has revived serious consideration of military options. Trump is scheduled to meet with his senior national security advisers in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday to review potential courses of action, according to two U.S. officials.
ALSO READ : 2 Navy Fighter Jets Crash Mid-Air At Idaho Air Show; 4 Crew Members Eject Safely; Watch Video
On Saturday, the president gathered with top aides at his Virginia golf club to discuss the Iran situation. Attendees included Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Trump also held a phone conversation on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning developments with Iran.
Pakistan, serving as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran, continued its diplomatic efforts as its interior minister met with senior Iranian officials in Tehran over the weekend. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also involved in mediation, spoke on Sunday with his Pakistani counterpart and Iran’s foreign minister.
Trump told Axios he remains hopeful that Iran desires an agreement and is awaiting an improved proposal from Tehran, following what he described as an unsatisfactory offer delivered several days earlier.
Tensions have contributed to market volatility, with Brent crude oil prices climbing more than 2% to $111 per barrel in early trading amid the diplomatic stalemate.
Separately, a drone attacked the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear power plant on Sunday, causing limited damage to an electrical generator. UAE authorities reported intercepting two other drones and confirmed no radiological safety concerns. While Iran has not been directly blamed, a senior Emirati official suggested possible involvement by Tehran or its proxies, condemning the incident as a serious escalation.