Donald Trump issues stark warning to Iran as nuclear deal talks falter

Donald Trump has delivered a fresh and ominous ultimatum to Iran as prospects for peace between Washington and Tehran hang in the balance. The US President hinted that military intervention could be back on the table should Tehran refuse to meet Washington's conditions regarding its nuclear ambitions. During a Cabinet session at the White House on Wednesday, the US President cautioned that armed action remained a possibility should discussions with Tehran fail to yield progress on Iran's nuclear activities. Mr Trump said: "Iran very much wants to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it, but we will be. Either that, or we'll have to finish the job." The uncompromising message emerged as top US officials maintained that diplomatic channels were still the favoured approach, despite mounting concerns the situation could escalate should negotiations break down. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed the Cabinet gathering that the administration continued to pursue a diplomatic resolution with Iran and suggested "some progress" had been achieved, reports the Express . Rubio said: "The policy is always that diplomacy is the first option, and we'll continue to work on that through your envoys, Mr. Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and others - including the Vice President - who have been very involved. "If there's an agreement to be made, we want that agreement to happen." Nevertheless, the Secretary of State also cautioned that Mr Trump retained "other options available" should talks prove unsuccessful. Rubio continued: "The bottom line is that we prefer the negotiated diplomatic route, and we're going to give it every chance to succeed." He subsequently issued a stark warning regarding Iran's nuclear programme, declaring: "Iran, and the people in charge of Iran, can never have a nuclear weapon. "They will never have a nuclear weapon - and they most certainly will not have one as long as you are President of the United States." The remarks arrive as diplomatic efforts persist to broker a ceasefire and wider settlement after months of intensifying military tensions between Washington and Tehran. Sources suggest negotiations have focused on Iran's nuclear stockpile, sanctions relief and security assurances, while mediators work tirelessly to avert a broader regional conflict. Yet prospects of a potential agreement were thrown into question after the US rejected suggestions of a draft deal as a "complete fabrication". Iranian state television had suggested a framework arrangement would involve Iran resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in return for the US lifting its blockade and withdrawing military personnel. Iran specialist Tara Kangarlou advised Sky News that the reports warrant scepticism, noting: "This is just circulating on the internet by this one journalist, very close to the state force." During the cabinet session, Mr Trump also asserted Iran had been substantially diminished throughout the confrontation, stating: "The Navy has gone... The Air Force has gone. Everything's gone, and they're negotiating on fumes." He continued: "Maybe we have to go back and finish it. Maybe we don't." The President further asserted that Iran's economy was in "freefall", remarking: "Their money has no value, and their whole economic system is broken down." Mr Trump was emphatic that Tehran "cannot have a nuclear weapon", declaring: "I'm doing that for the world. I'm not doing it just for us." He also implied that Iran believed it could politically outlast his administration, stating: "They thought they were going to outwait me." Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.