‘Won’t be anything left’: Trump issues warning to Iran after national security team meeting
‘Won’t be anything left’: Trump Issues Warning to Iran After National Security Team Meeting
Won t be anything left – President Donald Trump convened a critical session with senior members of his national security apparatus over the weekend, focusing on the ongoing tensions with Iran and the strategic options ahead. The discussion, which took place at his Virginia-based golf club, was followed by a public statement from the president on Sunday, delivered via a social media post. The message, succinct yet forceful, warned Iran that time was running out: “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! President DJT.” This declaration underscores Trump’s growing frustration with Tehran’s approach to diplomacy and its refusal to ease the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! President DJT.”
The White House has not yet provided an official response to the warning, though the administration’s stance on Iran remains resolute. Trump’s impatience has intensified as Iran continues to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns about supply chain stability. Analysts note that the closure of the strait has not only driven up oil prices but also signaled Iran’s willingness to escalate hostilities without immediate concessions.
Iran’s Response Through Pakistan
Iran’s foreign ministry addressed the US criticism by stating that it had submitted a revised proposal to resolve the conflict, as reported by state news agency IRNA. According to Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, the nation’s leadership had received a set of corrective measures from the Pakistani mediator, Mohsin Naqvi, and had countered with its own perspective. “Our points of view were presented to the American side in return,” Baghaei said, “so the process continues through Pakistan.” This exchange highlights Pakistan’s role as the key intermediary in the ongoing peace talks, a position that has drawn both support and skepticism from regional actors.
“We received a set of corrective points and considerations from the Pakistani mediator. Our points of view were presented to the American side in return. Therefore, the process continues through Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, the US team that met with Trump included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The gathering occurred just hours after Trump’s return to Washington from a high-profile trip to China, where he had engaged in strategic discussions with President Xi Jinping. During that visit, the administration delayed finalizing its approach to Iran, with officials expressing a desire to observe the outcomes of the China talks before making decisive moves.
Strategic Considerations and Military Readiness
Despite his preference for diplomatic solutions, Trump has increasingly leaned toward resuming military action against Iran as a means to compel a resolution. Recent reports indicate that the Pentagon is preparing contingency plans targeting key infrastructure and energy sites within Iran, should the president decide to intensify strikes. These preparations reflect a broader strategy to apply pressure on Tehran, leveraging both political and military leverage to achieve desired outcomes.
Iran’s position has not shown signs of immediate compromise. The country’s leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, has emphasized its commitment to maintaining regional influence. In a recent statement, Pezeshkian criticized the US and Israel for fostering division among Islamic nations through initiatives that breed distrust. “Iran seeks sincere, stable relations based on good neighborliness with the region’s Islamic countries,” he said, while accusing the West of using divisive tactics to weaken its allies.
“The United States’ presence in the Middle East has caused instability in the region. The US and Israel have always tried to pit Islamic nations against one another through divisive projects and by fostering distrust, even as Iran seeks sincere, stable relations based on good neighborliness with the region’s Islamic countries.”
During the weekend meeting, Trump’s team was expected to deliberate on the next steps, with a follow-up session scheduled for early this week. The decision to engage in military action hinges on whether Iran can demonstrate progress in negotiations or if the US will opt for a more aggressive posture. The presence of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Sunday call with Trump further signals the alignment of interests between the two nations, as they both seek to counter Iranian influence in the region.
The White House’s initial response to the situation has been measured, with officials withholding specific comments on the recent developments. However, the urgency in Trump’s message suggests a shift in tone. The 14-point plan that Iran had previously submitted—a framework aimed at de-escalating the conflict—was dismissed by Trump as “totally unacceptable,” prompting the need for a revised approach. This rejection has fueled speculation about the potential for renewed hostilities, particularly as the president’s team evaluates the balance between diplomacy and force.
Iran’s media has also highlighted its diplomatic efforts, noting that the country’s leadership remains engaged in talks with Pakistan. The interior minister of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, met with top Iranian officials, including Pezeshkian, to discuss the evolving situation. This meeting underscores the importance of regional allies in mediating the US-Iran standoff, though the effectiveness of these efforts remains uncertain. The ongoing dialogue between the two nations reflects a complex interplay of interests, with each side seeking to advance its strategic goals while managing the risks of escalation.
This story has been updated with additional information. Contributions to the report include CNN’s Tim Lister, Aida Karimi, and Issy Ronald, who have tracked the developments in the White House and on the ground in Tehran. The interplay between Trump’s public warnings and the behind-the-scenes negotiations illustrates the high-stakes nature of the conflict, where every move carries significant implications for global security and international relations.
