U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran that “time is running out” to negotiate a new nuclear agreement or face the prospect of military action, as the United States continues to build up naval and other military forces in the Gulf and Middle East region. The message comes amid heightened tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional behavior, with the U.S. urging Iran to return to the negotiating table to avoid a potentially devastating conflict.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said he hoped Iran would “come to the table” and negotiate a fair and equitable deal that eliminates nuclear weapons ambitions. He warned that past U.S. military strikes, including operations in mid-2025 against Iranian nuclear sites, had caused “major destruction,” and that any future U.S. action could be “far worse” if diplomacy fails.

The U.S. military buildup includes a sizeable “armada” of naval forces, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, now positioned in waters near the Persian Gulf. Trump described the fleet as ready to act “with speed and violence, if necessary,” underscoring the seriousness of the U.S. posture. Officials have framed the deployment as pressure on Tehran to negotiate and deter further nuclear advances.

Iran’s leadership has responded firmly. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have rejected negotiating under the shadow of military threat, calling such tactics ineffective and counterproductive. Tehran insists it remains open to dialogue on a mutually respectful basis and has reiterated that its nuclear activities are peaceful. However, Iranian military leaders have warned they would respond decisively to any aggression.

The standoff arrives against a backdrop of ongoing domestic unrest in Iran, widespread protests, and deepening international concern over Tehran’s regional influence and nuclear program. Analysts note that the U.S. is seeking to leverage both diplomatic and military instruments to compel Iran back into negotiations that would curb uranium enrichment and limit its capabilities.

Regional and global actors have expressed varying positions. While some U.S. allies support efforts to pressure Iran, others, including countries in the Gulf and broader Middle East, have called for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent outright conflict. Efforts by regional powers to broker talks continue amidst the heightened diplomatic environment.

The world is watching closely as heightened rhetoric and military movements raise the stakes for both sides. The warning that “time is running out” reflects the urgency with which Washington views the situation and its desire to prevent Tehran from advancing toward a nuclear weapons capability. Whether diplomacy can prevail in the face of military pressure remains uncertain and will be critical in shaping regional security and global non-proliferation efforts.