U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a direct threat to Iran, warning that if Tehran refuses to agree to a new nuclear deal, military action will follow. In an interview with NBC on Sunday, Trump made his stance clear. “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombs,” he said. His remarks have raised fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Trump also hinted at the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions on countries that continue to trade with Iran. This is a strategy he used during his first term, putting pressure on allies and rivals alike. With tensions already high, his latest comments have sparked a wave of reactions from both Washington and Tehran.

Iran Rejects Direct Talks but Leaves Room for Indirect Negotiations

Iranian President Massud Pezeshkian responded quickly to Trump’s comments. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, he stated that Iran will not engage in direct talks with the U.S. He revealed that Trump had reached out through Oman, a country that has often acted as a mediator between the two nations. However, Iran firmly rejected the idea of sitting down for face-to-face discussions.

Despite this rejection, Pezeshkian did not shut the door entirely. He said Iran is open to indirect negotiations but only under certain conditions. The U.S., he insisted, must acknowledge past mistakes and take real steps to rebuild trust. This statement suggests that while Tehran is unwilling to deal with Trump directly, it may still consider diplomatic solutions.

A War of Words: Threats from Both Sides

Trump’s warning is not an isolated statement. Earlier this month, he sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outlining two choices: negotiate a deal or face military consequences. The letter was a clear attempt to push Iran into negotiations.

Tehran, however, responded with its own threats. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Qalibaf warned that any attack by the U.S. would trigger chaos in the region. “A U.S. attack would be like a spark in a munitions depot,” he said. “American bases and allied outposts would no longer be safe.” This statement was seen as a direct message to Washington and its regional partners, including Israel and Saudi Arabia.

With both sides escalating their rhetoric, the possibility of miscalculation is growing. Diplomatic experts warn that strong words can quickly lead to unintended military clashes.

The Fallout from the Nuclear Deal Collapse

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been building since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. That agreement, signed under former President Barack Obama, was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018, calling it “one of the worst agreements ever made.”

Since then, Iran has increased its nuclear activities while facing tough economic sanctions. The country’s economy is struggling, with inflation at record levels and the local currency, the rial, losing much of its value. Many Iranian citizens are frustrated with both their government and the U.S., as daily life becomes more difficult.

Meanwhile, Washington insists that pressure is the only way to force Iran into a better deal. Trump’s administration argues that sanctions have weakened Iran’s ability to fund groups in the region, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. However, critics say the sanctions have mainly hurt ordinary Iranians while failing to stop Iran’s nuclear program.

The Growing Risk of Military Conflict

With each side refusing to back down, the risk of an armed conflict is increasing. Military analysts note that the U.S. has several military bases in the Middle East, including in Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain. Iran, on the other hand, has built up its missile capabilities and strengthened ties with proxy forces in the region. If tensions continue to rise, even a small incident could trigger a wider conflict.

In recent years, there have been multiple flashpoints. In 2020, the U.S. assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike, leading to Iranian missile attacks on American bases in Iraq. More recently, attacks on U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq have been blamed on Iranian-backed militias. These incidents highlight how quickly tensions can turn into violence.

Is There Still Hope for Diplomacy?

Despite the current war of words, some experts believe a peaceful resolution is still possible. European countries, which helped negotiate the original nuclear deal, are pushing for renewed diplomacy. Even within the U.S., some political leaders argue that direct talks are necessary to avoid war.

However, with both Washington and Tehran sticking to hardline positions, the road to peace is not easy. Trump is known for his aggressive negotiation tactics, and Iran’s leaders are equally determined not to appear weak. For now, the world watches and waits to see whether diplomacy can succeed—or if military action will follow.