U.S. President Donald Trump declared today that Iran is “desperate” to enter negotiations with Washington, while warning that the U.S. will escalate its military campaign if Tehran continues attacking maritime vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump asserted that Iranian officials “want to meet at all costs,” but emphasized that the United States has no interest in resuming diplomatic channels until Tehran displays a genuine commitment to meaningful dialogue.
Trump also threatened renewed military action if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure, while issuing warnings to Houthi rebels in Yemen regarding potential disruptions in the Red Sea.
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Regarding potential nuclear developments, the U.S. President warned that any attempts to reconstruct facilities would meet immediate retaliation, stating that targets would be struck if rebuilding efforts occur. Trump defended the impact of recent U.S. military operations, estimating that Iran would take two decades to recover, while reaffirming the enforcement of a strict naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reinforced the administration’s stance, noting that Iran retains opportunities to negotiate but warning of severe responses to continued attacks on commercial shipping. Hegseth cautioned that actions against merchant vessels would trigger significantly stronger retaliatory strikes.
Trump also addressed the threat posed by Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, stating that the U.S. remains prepared to intervene if the group attempts to block commercial shipping routes across the Red Sea.
