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U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Iran over stalled nuclear negotiations on Wednesday, accusing Tehran of failing to secure a nonnuclear agreement and warning that delays could backfire.
"Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, sharing an image depicting him walking with a rifle in front of explosions and damaged structures, alongside the phrase "No more Mr. Nice Guy."
Following Trump’s post, oil prices, which were already elevated, extended their daily gains to 3% amid rising fears of a collapse in negotiations and a continuation of the fighting, with Brent crude topping $115 per barrel.
The U.S. began imposing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after talks in Pakistan failed, with CENTCOM announcing a naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports from April 13.
Efforts to hold a second round of indirect negotiations in Islamabad have remained deadlocked, with Trump abruptly canceling the U.S. delegation’s visit last weekend to wait for a proposal from Iran to form a basis for the talks.
U.S. media reported that Iran has submitted a plan focusing on lifting the U.S. naval blockade on its ports, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring a prolonged ceasefire to resolve disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program.
However, Trump is said to have dismissed the plan, as Washington maintains its red line as an immediate issue to address. He also reportedly told officials to extend the blockade to squeeze Iran’s oil revenues and push Tehran to fully shut down its nuclear program.
In previous remarks, Trump repeatedly demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear program, halt uranium enrichment indefinitely, and transfer its enriched uranium, positions that have remained central to Washington’s negotiating stance in ongoing talks.
He also issued stark threats toward Tehran, warning that airstrikes would continue if a deal is not reached, as U.S. forces increase their military presence in the region.
Most recently, he also hit back at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday over his remarks that Tehran is “humiliating” Washington at the negotiating table, saying, "Merz thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!" Trump said.
At the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Iran had already been "militarily defeated" and told guests, including Britain’s King Charles III, that he is firmly opposed to Tehran ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, adding that the king shares his view.
However, Iran’s defense ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik pushed back, saying Washington needs to abandon "illegal and irrational demands" and stressing that the U.S. is no longer in a position to dictate its policies to independent nations.
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