President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, indicating the United States could launch a significant strike should talks between Washington and Tehran break down. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “If they back out again, they’re going to get hit really hard. They know that. They understand that. I have no choice. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.”

This warning comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Trump emphasized that military action remains on the table if diplomatic efforts do not yield desired results. He stated, “The hard hit is yet to come, and hopefully we won’t have to use it.” His remarks follow a decision to halt a planned military strike on Iran, which would have been the largest since World War II, after requests from Middle Eastern nations to allow more time for negotiations.

Trump expressed willingness to talk after Tehran and other countries asked for discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing nuclear matters. He stated, “We were going to a tremendous attack…and they called me and said very politely, ‘Please, can we talk?’ And I said, ‘Yes, we can talk. Let’s get it done.'” Discussions focus on reopening the Strait and curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Trump suggesting a deal is “imminent.”

While Iranian officials deny direct talks, saying negotiations occur through Oman as a mediator, reports suggest progress toward reopening the strait. Trump noted the discussions as “very good,” despite Iran’s public denials, describing them as “disconcerting” and “such a lie.” He stressed, “The only thing that matters is action. And they want to make a deal. We’ll see what happens. If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be too bad.”

When asked about the potential for abandoning talks, Trump expressed patience, indicating he is not in a hurry to cease diplomatic efforts. He criticized prior administrations for not resolving the situation and highlighted the shortcomings of the agreement brokered under former President Barack Obama. Trump remarked, “It should have been done by many presidents over many years, and it wasn’t, and I’m doing it. Obama was taken to the cleaners.”

Trump has previously emphasized negotiations as Iran’s “last chance” to avert increased U.S. military action, prioritizing the Strait of Hormuz in discussions before addressing Tehran’s nuclear program further.