Trump Warns Iran of Military Action if Nuclear Talks Collapse

President Trump has declared military action against Iran is “absolutely” on the table if upcoming nuclear talks fail, a stark warning as the U.S. prepares for high-level discussions with Tehran this weekend.

The talks, set for Saturday in Oman, aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program entirely. Trump’s threat came during a White House meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran insists its nuclear work is peaceful, rejecting Trump’s call for direct talks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed indirect negotiations via Oman instead.

Trump’s reinstated “maximum pressure” campaign piles sanctions on Iran, choking its economy. He’s vowed Tehran will never get nuclear weapons, echoing Israel’s hard line.

The U.S. seeks a Libyan-style deal, where Iran scraps its program for relief. Tehran’s breached prior limits, stockpiling uranium that could fuel bombs, experts say.

Trump sidestepped specifics but hinted at force if talks falter. “It’ll be a very bad day for Iran,” he told reporters, raising regional tensions.

Iran’s warned neighbors like Iraq and Kuwait against aiding U.S. strikes. Its ally Russia called Trump’s rhetoric unacceptable, urging restraint.

Netanyahu, in D.C. to sync with Trump, backs a “no-nukes” Iran stance. Both leaders see military options as leverage to force compliance.

Past Biden-era talks with Iran stalled, achieving little. Trump’s betting his mix of threats and diplomacy can outdo predecessors.

Tehran’s defiance risks a wider Middle East clash, analysts warn. Gulf states brace for fallout, given their oil-rich proximity to Iran.

Trump’s flexed U.S. military might, bulking up regional bases since January. A misstep in Oman could spark the conflict he claims to want to avoid.

Saturday’s outcome could redefine U.S.-Iran ties—and the global security landscape.