WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday warned of serious consequences if talks with Iran fail, saying “bad things will probably happen” without a deal, as Washington steps up diplomatic and military pressure on Tehran.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said US naval forces were moving closer to Iran while negotiations were ongoing. He added that reaching an agreement would be preferable but signalled readiness for escalation if diplomacy collapses.
The remarks come weeks after Israel, backed by the United States, launched strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities in June 2025, triggering missile and drone retaliation from Tehran and subsequent US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Amid rising tensions, regional countries including Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar have stepped in to help defuse the crisis.
Axios reported that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to hold talks in Istanbul on Friday as part of renewed efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, though plans remain fluid.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action while urging Iran to engage in talks, as Tehran warns any attack would draw a swift and broad response.
Iranian media have reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian has authorised the resumption of negotiations with Washington, following high-level contacts in Istanbul between Iranian and Turkish leaders.