Trump warns Iran of military action without diplomatic deal

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that the United States would either secure a diplomatic agreement or resort to military force, escalating tensions as indirect talks between the two nations remain stalled. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he preferred a deal but threatened swift and devastating strikes against Iranian infrastructure if diplomacy fails.

The president stated the U.S. could cripple Iran's bridges and energy supply within an hour, though he expressed a desire to avoid affecting Iran's population of roughly 91 million people. His remarks came after a week of indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman and Pakistan, concluded without visible progress toward a permanent agreement. Those talks are expected to resume in Pakistan on July 11.

Iranian officials issued swift and defiant rejections of the threat. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated Iran would not negotiate under threats, citing a clause in the existing memorandum of understanding. Separately, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called Trump's comments "delusional" and warned that further threats would be met with a response "in...