US President Donald Trump issued a fresh, tense warning to Tehran on Saturday, saying Iran would face a “very difficult time” if a final peace deal was not reached soon. The intervention reflects the escalation of pressure exerted by Washington, at a time when communication channels between the two sides appear to be activated under a regime of deep mutual suspicion.
Speaking to French television station BFMTV in a telephone interview, the US president appeared reserved but also very threatening regarding the prospects of the negotiations. “I have no idea if an agreement will be reached soon. If they don’t, they will have a very difficult time. They have an absolute interest in reaching a compromise,” he said, sending a clear ultimatum to the Iranian leadership. This rhetoric is part of the established strategy of “maximum pressure” implemented by the White House, using the threat of further economic or diplomatic strangulation as a lever of pressure to extract concessions.
For its part, Tehran confirms the existence of diplomatic messages from the American side, but keeps its distance. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that his government has been the recipient of messages from the Trump administration that show a clear willingness for new talks . However, the head of Iranian diplomacy was quick to lower expectations, warning that historical distrust of the true intentions of the United States remains the biggest thorn in the process.
This situation brings Washington and Tehran to a critical crossroads, where the threat of a new generalized crisis coexists with the possibility of a diplomatic deal, with Donald Trump making it clear that the clock is ticking against Iran.
