Trump Threatens to 'De-Nuclearise' Iran Without a Deal After Fresh US Strikes
By Saqib S. Qureshi
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could "de-nuclearise" Iran without a negotiated agreement, signaling that further military action remains on the table after a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking after declaring the U.S.-Iran ceasefire effectively "over," Trump said diplomacy was no longer his preferred path and suggested the United States could eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities through military force if necessary.
"We may de-nuclearise Iran without a deal," Trump said, while also warning that another night of U.S. strikes remained possible if Iran continued its attacks.
His comments came just hours after the Pentagon announced it had carried out "powerful strikes" against Iranian military targets. U.S. officials said the operation was launched in retaliation for attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including Saudi and Qatari oil tankers, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes.
According to U.S. officials, more than 80 Iranian military targets were struck overnight in what represents one of Washington's largest military operations against Iran in recent years. The strikes targeted missile facilities, drone infrastructure and military command sites.
Iran has condemned the attacks as a violation of international law and responded by announcing missile and drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears that the conflict could expand across the Gulf.
Trump's latest remarks also appear to mark a sharp break from the 14-page memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month, which had been intended to extend the ceasefire while negotiators worked toward a broader agreement covering Iran's nuclear program, regional security and sanctions.
Earlier in the day, Trump declared the ceasefire "over" and dismissed ongoing diplomatic contacts, saying negotiators were "wasting their time."
The renewed confrontation has rattled global markets, with oil prices climbing sharply amid concerns that continued fighting could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil.
Analysts warn that Trump's latest threat significantly increases the risk of another round of direct U.S.-Iran military confrontation, despite weeks of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional war.