Trump Warns Iran of Bombing, Secondary Tariffs if Nuclear Deal is Not Reached
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening potential bombings and secondary economic sanctions if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington regarding its controversial nuclear program.
Trump, who is currently campaigning for a return to the White House in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections, made these remarks during a telephone interview with NBC News on Sunday. He revealed that negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials were ongoing but declined to provide details on the progress of the discussions.
“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing. But there’s a chance that if they don’t make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago,” Trump stated.
His remarks signal a potential return to the aggressive foreign policy that characterized his first term from 2017 to 2021, when he withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal and reimposed heavy sanctions on Tehran.
Background: The Iran Nuclear Deal and Trump’s Withdrawal
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal, was signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, China, and Russia. The agreement placed strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
However, in May 2018, President Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the agreement, arguing that the deal was flawed and did not adequately prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He subsequently reimposed sweeping economic sanctions, crippling Iran’s economy by restricting its oil exports and access to global financial markets.
In response, Iran progressively reduced its commitments to the JCPOA, expanding its uranium enrichment activities beyond the limits set by the agreement. This has raised concerns among Western powers, who fear that Iran is edging closer to developing nuclear weapons capability—a claim Tehran continues to deny.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes, including energy production and medical research.
Iran’s Response: No Sign of Backing Down
Despite Trump’s renewed warnings, Iran appears unmoved by the threats. Reports indicate that Tehran has already sent a written response through Oman—a key diplomatic mediator—rejecting Trump’s ultimatum and insisting on its right to pursue an independent nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani reiterated Tehran’s position during a press conference on Sunday, stating:
“We will not negotiate under threats. Iran will continue to engage with international partners based on mutual respect and will not succumb to pressure or intimidation.”
Tehran has also bolstered its regional alliances, forging stronger ties with Russia and China, both of whom have been critical of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Additionally, Iran has deepened its cooperation with Middle Eastern allies, including Hezbollah and other regional proxies, in a bid to counter U.S. influence in the region.
Potential Consequences: What Happens if the U.S. Bombs Iran?
If Trump were to follow through on his threat of bombing Iran, it could trigger a major geopolitical crisis with far-reaching consequences. Analysts warn that a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could:
Destabilize the Middle East, leading to potential retaliation from Iran against U.S. military bases and allies in the region.
Drive up global oil prices, as Iran could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supplies.
Increase tensions with China and Russia, both of whom have strategic interests in Iran and oppose U.S. interventionist policies.
Risk an all-out war, given Iran’s well-equipped military and network of regional allies capable of launching counterattacks.
In addition, a military conflict with Iran could further strain U.S. relations with European allies, who largely supported the original 2015 nuclear deal and opposed Trump’s decision to abandon it.
“A military strike on Iran would be a disastrous mistake,” said Dr. James Peterson, a Middle East security expert at Georgetown University.
“It would only strengthen hardliners in Tehran and escalate tensions with no clear endgame.”
Will Iran and the U.S. Revive Nuclear Negotiations?
Despite Trump’s hardline stance, there is still a possibility for renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran, especially as the Biden administration has expressed a willingness to engage diplomatically.
However, with Trump signaling a return to his “maximum pressure” policy should he win re-election, it remains unclear whether Iran would be willing to negotiate under the threat of military action.
“Iran is playing the long game,” said Dr. Amina Razaq, an expert on Iran-U.S. relations.
“They know that Trump’s return to office is not guaranteed. They may simply wait until after the U.S. elections before making any significant moves.”Read also: Zelensky Reports Massive Russian Onslaught: 1,310 Bombs, 1,000 Drones, and 9 Missiles in One Week
What’s Next for Iran-U.S. Relations?
Trump’s latest threats against Iran underscore his continued aggressive approach to foreign policy, particularly in dealing with adversaries like Tehran. However, whether he follows through on these threats remains to be seen, especially given the complex geopolitical and economic factors at play.
For now, Iran remains defiant, and the world watches closely as tensions between the two nations reach another critical juncture.
Will diplomacy prevail, or are we heading toward another military showdown in the Middle East?
Only time will tell.