• President Trump escalates rhetoric, warning of massive military strikes if Iran does not agree to nuclear negotiations.
  • The ultimatum signals a sharp shift in US policy, raising the stakes in the ongoing standoff.
  • Iran's response remains cautious, with diplomats signaling openness to talks but resistance to pressure.

Ultimatum Issued

President Donald Trump on [date] threatened Iran with an intensified bombing campaign if the country fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States. "If Iran doesn't agree, bombing starts at a much higher level," Trump said in a statement, according to people familiar with the matter. The remark marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, coming as diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the president is prepared to authorize strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military infrastructure if Tehran does not capitulate. However, the official stressed that the administration prefers a negotiated settlement.

Stakes for Energy Markets

The threat sent ripples through oil markets, with Brent crude rising 2.3% to $78.50 a barrel on fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts at Goldman Sachs warned that a full-scale conflict could push prices above $100.

Iran's foreign ministry responded cautiously, calling the remarks "unconstructive" but leaving the door open for talks. "Iran has always been willing to negotiate on equal footing," a spokesperson said. "But threats will not yield results."

Regional and Diplomatic Fallout

European allies, including France and Germany, urged restraint and called for renewed negotiations. A senior EU diplomat said, "We are extremely concerned by the president's language. It raises the risk of miscalculation."

The ultimatum revives memories of past US-Iran standoffs, including the 2020 assassination of General Qasem Soleimani and subsequent Iranian missile attacks on US bases. Defense officials say US assets in the Gulf have been placed on heightened alert.

(Clarification: The quote "bombing starts at a much higher level" was attributed to the president by multiple outlets, but the White House has not released an official transcript of the remarks.)