WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Monday, urging its leadership to return to the negotiating table before the situation gets any worse.
During a media briefing at the G7 summit in Canada, Trump highlighted the rising tensions between the two countries, making several pointed remarks and stressing the urgent need for diplomatic engagement.
Referring to the growing economic and political pressure Tehran faces due to international sanctions and isolation, Trump insisted, “Iran is not winning the war.”
He further warned Iranian leaders, saying, “They must come to the table before it is too late.”
Trump made it clear that there is currently no permanent agreement with Iran. “There is no deal,” he said. “They have to make one.”
He stressed the inevitability of talks, saying that Iran must come to the table in any case.
The president also suggested that Iranian officials are beginning to recognize the futility of confrontation and may soon express interest in reducing tensions. “I’m sure they’d like to talk about de-escalation,” Trump noted.
Citing a timeline, Trump pointed to a decisive moment that had just passed, saying, “Iran had 60 days; on the 61st day, it had to happen.” He said Iran had missed important diplomatic opportunities.
Acknowledging the devastating consequences of the conflict, Trump said, “War is painful for both sides,” indicating a preference for a diplomatic rather than a military solution to the standoff.
Touching on U.S. foreign policy, Trump reiterated America’s unwavering support for Israel, declaring, “We’ve always supported Israel,” and adding, “Israel is doing a great job right now.”
