Time is running out, warns Trump

Pressure mounts on Tehran for nuke deal

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A billboard threatening action against American warships in Enghelab Square in Tehran, on Tuesday, President Donald Trump called for Iran to either negotiate with the United States or face potential attack, as US warships led by an aircraft carrier advance into the Middle East. NYT

President Donald Trump warned Iran to make anuclear deal with the US or face military strikes far worse than the attack he ordered last June, increasing pressure on the regime and propelling oil prices higher.

Ina social-media post on Wednesday, Mr Trump said the fleet of US ships he'd ordered to the region, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, is “ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.”

“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties,” Mr Trump wrote.

In response, Iran said it stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests but warned that “IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE,’ the country's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a series of calls with top regional officials to discuss the escalating situation.