Trump gives Iran ‘few days’ to avoid ‘nasty’ US action as nuclear deal pressure mounts
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has warned that the US was prepared to take further action against Iran if Tehran failed to provide the “right answers” on a peace deal, saying things could turn “a little bit nasty” even as he signaled he was willing to wait “a few days” before escalating.
The remarks came as tensions remained high despite a ceasefire that paused Operation Epic Fury six weeks ago. Iran, meanwhile, warned that renewed attacks could trigger a broader regional conflict while negotiations continued through Pakistani mediation.
Trump says Iran has only days before tensions escalate
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, May 20, Trump said the situation was “right on the borderline” and warned it could escalate rapidly if talks failed.
“Believe me, if we don't get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We're all ready to go,” Trump said, according the source. Asked how long he would wait before deciding on further action, he replied, “It could be a few days, but it could go very quickly.”
Trump also reiterated his position on Iran’s nuclear program, saying, “We're in the final stages of Iran. We'll see what happens. Either have a deal or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won't happen.”
“Ideally I'd like to see few people killed, as opposed to a lot. We can do it either way,” he added earlier in the day.
The president’s comments came as soaring gasoline prices continued to weigh on his approval ratings and Republicans faced pressure ahead of congressional elections in November.
Iran warns of wider regional conflict after US threats
Iranian officials responded with warnings of their own, accusing Washington of preparing for renewed military action despite ongoing negotiations.
“If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time,” the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained open to negotiations but rejected pressure tactics, writing in an X post that “forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran was pursuing talks “with seriousness and good faith,” but added the country had “strong and reasonable suspicion over America's performance.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also claimed “obvious and hidden moves by the enemy” suggested the Americans were preparing new attacks.
Strait of Hormuz shipping restrictions raise oil market fears
The conflict has also intensified concerns over global energy markets after Iran largely shut the Strait of Hormuz to most international shipping following the US-Israeli attacks that began on February 28.
Iran released a map Wednesday outlining a new “controlled maritime zone” in the strait and said ships would require authorization to pass through. The move came as two Chinese tankers carrying about 4 million barrels of oil crossed the strait after Tehran reportedly eased rules for Chinese vessels.
Trump also said he had been “an hour away” from ordering attacks after requests from several Gulf neighbors.
The president also spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who welcomed the ceasefire extension and said a “reasonable solution” remained possible, according to Ankara.
Despite ongoing talks, Tehran’s latest proposal reportedly repeated demands Trump had previously rejected, including sanctions relief, compensation for war damage and the withdrawal of US troops.
