Trump says Iran seeks talks, warns US could act first
Trump warns Iran against retaliation, saying any attack would trigger an unprecedented response from the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s leadership reached out to Washington seeking negotiations, even as widespread anti-government protests continue to shake the Islamic Republic. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said Iran’s leaders had contacted him following his warnings of possible military action, suggesting a sudden diplomatic opening amid deepening unrest.
“The leaders of Iran called yesterday,” Trump said, adding that “a meeting is being set up… They want to negotiate.” His remarks appeared to signal that Tehran may be feeling growing pressure as demonstrations spread across the country, driven by economic hardship, political frustration and anger over alleged human rights abuses. Yet Trump quickly paired the prospect of talks with a stern warning, saying the United States might still take action before any meeting takes place.
“We may have to act before a meeting,” the president said, leaving little doubt that military options remain on the table. His comments underscored the uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran at a time when tensions are already high and the situation inside the country is volatile.
Trump described the unrest in Iran in stark terms, pointing to reports of violence and deaths among protesters. He also took aim at Iran’s ruling establishment, questioning its legitimacy and accusing it of governing through force rather than popular support. “These are violent if you call ’em leaders.
The president said the U.S. military is closely monitoring developments on the ground. According to Trump, American defense officials are evaluating the situation “very seriously” and reviewing what he described as “very strong options.” While he emphasized that no final decision has been made, his language reflected a readiness to escalate if Washington deems it necessary.
When pressed by reporters on whether Iran had crossed a red line or what specific actions the U.S. might take, Trump refused to provide details. He pushed back against calls for clarity, saying he would not publicly discuss targets, timing or tactics. Where will we attack?
Trump also issued a blunt warning about retaliation. Responding to questions about possible counter-moves by Iran or its regional allies, he said any such action would be met with overwhelming force. “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before,” he warned, a statement likely to heighten anxiety across the region.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment for the Trump administration, which has faced criticism at home over its handling of law enforcement and immigration issues. Still, the president framed the Iran situation as a top national security concern, saying he receives frequent updates and remains personally involved in assessing the next steps.
So far, there has been no public confirmation from Iranian officials that they have directly contacted Trump or agreed to negotiations. Tehran has historically rejected U.S. pressure and accused Washington of exploiting internal unrest for political gain. The lack of official acknowledgment adds another layer of uncertainty to Trump’s claims.
As protests continue and diplomatic signals remain mixed, analysts say the situation reflects a dangerous balance between opportunity and risk. On one hand, the possibility of talks suggests a chance to ease tensions. On the other, the repeated warnings of military action raise fears of sudden escalation, with consequences that could extend far beyond Iran’s borders.