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President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would decide “very soon” whether to negotiate with Iran or “blow them up,” as Tehran said it had received Washington’s formal response to its proposal to end the seven-month war.
“We have to make that decision: We blow them up or make a deal,” Trump told reporters at an Oval Office briefing. Asked how he would negotiate with Iranian officials, he replied: “Maybe you blow them up.”
Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within a week and restarting nuclear negotiations. In return, Tehran sought an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, sanctions relief on oil sales, the release of frozen Iranian assets and a ceasefire across the region.
Trump publicly rejected the proposal Saturday, saying Iran was seeking a deal because it was “losing so badly.” He said he was open to an agreement but that Tehran’s terms were unacceptable.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had previously seen Trump’s reaction but was waiting for Washington’s formal position through mediators. Qatar and Pakistan have continued efforts to revive negotiations.
Seven months of war
The conflict began Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. A temporary ceasefire was reached in April after Pakistan helped mediate talks, but Trump declared it over July 8.
The fighting has since continued without a broader agreement, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention.
Trump’s latest comments signal that the administration is weighing another escalation even as diplomatic efforts continue.
