Washington
US President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that Iran will “pay the price” for the delays in negotiations, marking a sharp shift in tone after weeks of expressing optimism about a potential agreement since the ceasefire was announced on April 7.
He even threatened Iran, suggesting that Iran had a chance to sign a deal and "survive.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!
Trump did not specify what actions the United States might take. His comments came after the US launched a new wave of strikes against Iran following the downing of an Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Trump suggested additional military action remained possible. “I may keep going,” Trump said. “They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.”
The president also provided new details about the helicopter incident, saying an Iranian drone struck the AH-64 gunship.According to Trump, the drone was already on fire when it became lodged between the two pilots but did not explode. The pilots were able to bring the helicopter down safely and escape.
Trump’s latest remarks contrast sharply with his recent statements on diplomatic talks. Over the past several weeks, he repeatedly suggested that a deal with Iran was close.
As recently as Monday, he told reporters that an agreement could be reached within “two or three days” and
expressed reluctance about renewed military operations, citing concerns over casualties and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“If we do the bombing, you know, a lot of people are going to be killed. Who wants to do that? I don’t,” Trump said Tuesday.
Despite the renewed military pressure, diplomatic efforts continue. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday in an attempt to bridge differences between the two sides and revive negotiations.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s warning is intended to increase pressure on Iran during ongoing talks or signals a willingness to escalate military action.
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