Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran as 60-Day Nuclear Negotiation Window Closes
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, former US President Donald Trump has delivered a pointed caution to Iran, marking the expiration of a critical 60-day deadline for reaching a new nuclear agreement. Trump underscored the urgency in a post on his social media platform, urging Iran to finalize a deal “before it is too late.”
His declaration echoes the mounting pressure triggered by recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military installations — actions that have intensified geopolitical volatility and prompted the US to reposition military assets and evacuate nonessential personnel from the region.
Decoding the 60-Day Deadline
The 60-day countdown originated from a private letter Trump sent to Iran’s Supreme Leader earlier this year, setting a firm timeline for nuclear negotiations. Talks began on April 12, making June 11 the official deadline, which Trump now says Iran has ignored.
“Iran should have listened to me when I said—I gave them a 60-day warning, and today is day 61,” Trump emphasized during an interview, highlighting his administration’s firm stance on the matter.
Trump Endorses Israel’s Offensive and Signals Further Action
While US officials have maintained they were not direct participants in the Israeli operation, Trump gave unequivocal support, praising the effectiveness of the strikes. He described the Israeli blows as “very hard” and warned that “there’s more to come.”
On social media, Trump blamed Iranian hardliners for escalating tensions despite multiple opportunities for dialogue, declaring, “They are all dead now, and it will only get worse.”
US Military Responds to Potential Iranian Backlash
In anticipation of retaliatory moves by Iran, the Pentagon has maneuvered two Navy destroyers, including the USS Thomas Hudner, closer to the Eastern Mediterranean. The US currently maintains around 30,000 troops in the Middle East, a force level that had previously surged beyond 40,000 amid previous confrontations with Iran-backed groups.
Additionally, nonessential US personnel and dependents stationed at military bases throughout the region have been authorized to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Diplomatic Efforts Persist Despite Rising Hostilities
Despite the hardening political rhetoric, some US officials remain committed to diplomacy. Special envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit Oman this weekend to continue discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. Yet, given the current escalation, it is uncertain whether Iranian representatives will engage in these talks.
Trump characterized the present moment as pivotal. “There has already been great death and destruction,” he acknowledged, “But there is still time to stop it.”
