US President Donald Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons or the next US attack would be far worse.
"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. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" Trump wrote in a social media post.
The Republican US president, who pulled out of a 2015 multination nuclear deal with Tehran during his first White House term, noted that his last warning to Iran was followed by a military strike.
Also Read: Iran denies requesting negotiations with US amid tensions
"The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again," Trump wrote. He also said another "armada" is floating toward Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not been in contact with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days or requesting negotiations, state media reported earlier on Wednesday.
A day ago, the United States had said it was ready to engage Iran diplomatically if Tehran chose to reach out, even as pressure mounted through military deployments and strict conditions tied to Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.
Also Read: US open to Iran talks but keeps military pressure
A senior US official had said on Monday that Washington was “open for business” if Iran wished to make contact, stressing that Tehran was already aware of the terms required for talks.
“I think they know the terms. They’re aware of the terms,” the official told reporters when questioned about negotiations.
