US President Donald Trump has warned of a major escalation in the Iran conflict, saying âlots of bombs start going offâ if the fragile ceasefire expires without a deal, as uncertainty looms over fresh peace talks.
Speaking to PBS News in a phone call on Monday, Trump made it clear that military action could resume immediately if negotiations fail. âThen lots of bombs start going off,â he said when asked about the consequences of the truce ending.
The warning comes as a US delegation prepares to head to Islamabad for another round of talks aimed at ending the war, though it remains unclear whether Iran will participate.
Talks uncertain amid rising tensions
Trump said Iran was âsupposed to be thereâ for the negotiations but added, âweâll see whether or not itâs there. If theyâre not there, thatâs fine too,â as per PBS News.
At the core of Washingtonâs demands is a firm red line, âNo nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,â Trump said.
However, Tehran has pushed back against negotiating under pressure. Iranâs top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said, âWe do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,â signalling continued resistance.
Military threats and oil pressure tactics
Trump has also ramped up rhetoric in recent days, warning of potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached.
The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports and demanded the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
The ongoing disruption has fuelled volatility in energy markets and added urgency to diplomatic efforts.
The two-week ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, is set to expire imminently, with Trump indicating he is âhighly unlikelyâ to extend it.
The conflict has already caused significant casualties across the region and heightened global economic concerns.
Despite the tensions, Trump expressed confidence in his negotiating team, calling it an âA-teamâ, and suggested that oil prices could fall sharply if a deal is reached.