Trump warns of "very traumatic" consequences for Iran without deal within month

Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe consequences if it fails to reach an agreement with the United States within the next month, escalating tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional activities.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on February 12, the US president suggested military action remained a possibility if diplomacy fails, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

His remarks came a day after a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“We have to make a deal, otherwise it’s going to be very traumatic, very traumatic,” Trump said.

“They should have made a deal the first time. They got Midnight Hammer instead, and this will be very traumatic for Iran.”

When asked about the timeline for a potential agreement, he added: “I guess over the next month, something like that.”

“They should agree very quickly,” the president added.

Trump indicated he remained open to continued negotiations but warned of tougher measures if talks collapse.

“I’ll talk to them as long as I like, and we’ll see if we can get a deal with them. And if we can’t, we’ll have to go to phase two,” he said.

“Phase two will be very tough for them. I’m not looking for that.”

His comments follow earlier US military action against Iranian nuclear facilities in June, which reportedly involved deliberate uncertainty about timing before strikes were carried out.

Efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement are continuing. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner recently met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman to discuss a potential agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear activities and support for armed groups in the region.

Meanwhile, Washington has increased its military presence in nearby waters. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group have been deployed to the Arabian Sea. Reports suggest a second carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, could also be moved to the region.

Trump had earlier warned Tehran in January that the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go” if Iranian authorities continued using violence against protesters. He later stepped back from immediate military action after Iran reportedly delayed executions of demonstrators.