U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Tehran has prolonged negotiations excessively and would now face consequences, writing on social media that "Iran is all talk and no action." In the same post he added: "They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!"
Trump expanded on that message in a Fox News interview, saying he was nearing a decision to authorize new strikes directed at Iran's power plants and bridges if Tehran refused to sign an agreement. His comments followed a series of military exchanges in the region and a reported diplomatic effort to continue talks.
An official with knowledge of the situation said Qatari negotiators traveled to Tehran on Wednesday morning after consultations with the United States, in an effort to finalize an agreement. The arrival of the Qatari team came amid recent Iranian strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain, which Iran said were in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about those Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, Trump told Fox News that Iran had the opportunity to sign a deal and thereby "survive," and that he might continue with additional strikes if negotiations remained slow, according to the network. The president framed the potential for further military action as contingent on Tehran's willingness to reach an agreement.
Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the president's social media post or the reported consultations and travel by negotiators. At the time of reporting, there was no additional official comment on whether any orders for new strikes had been issued.
Summary
President Trump said Iran had delayed negotiations and warned of punitive action, including possible strikes on infrastructure. Qatari negotiators reportedly flew to Tehran to attempt to finalize a deal after consultations with the United States. Iranian forces have carried out strikes on U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain following American strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. White House officials had not immediately commented on the president's post or the reported diplomatic movements.