File photo: US President Donald Trump (Image source: AP)
US President Donald Trump has warned of a major escalation in the Iranian conflict, saying that “a lot of bombs will start going off” if a fragile ceasefire ends without an agreement, as uncertainty looms over new peace talks.Speaking with PBS News in a phone call on Monday, Trump made clear that military action could resume immediately if negotiations fail. “After that, a lot of bombs start to explode,” he said when asked about the consequences of the end of the truce.This warning comes as an American delegation prepares to head to Islamabad to hold another round of talks aimed at ending the war, although it is still unclear whether Iran will participate.
Talks are uncertain amid rising tensions
Trump said that Iran was supposed to be present in the negotiations, but added: We will see if it is there or not.
If they’re not there, that’s OK too, according to PBS News.Trump said that the essence of Washington’s demands lies in the existence of a firm red line, which is “no nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon.”However, Tehran backed away from negotiating under pressure. Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said: “We do not accept negotiations in light of threats,” referring to the continued resistance.
Military threats and oil pressure tactics
Trump has also intensified his rhetoric in recent days, warning of possible strikes on Iranian infrastructure if an agreement is not reached.
The United States maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports and demanded the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.The ongoing turmoil has increased volatility in energy markets and increased the urgency of diplomatic efforts.The two-week ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, is set to expire soon, with Trump indicating it is “extremely unlikely” to extend it. The conflict has already caused significant casualties across the region and heightened global economic concerns.Despite the tensions, Trump expressed confidence in his negotiating team, calling it “Team A,” and noted that oil prices could fall sharply if an agreement is reached.