Trump warns Iran to strike a deal amid deadly Israeli strikes; Tehran suspends talks after Natanz facility hit.

President Donald Trump warned that future Israeli attacks on Iran would be “even more brutal” unless Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal, intensifying pressure as both nations edge closer to open conflict. His remarks, delivered in a post on Truth Social, followed a major Israeli military strike that killed senior Iranian officials and hit critical nuclear infrastructure.

“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter come to an end,” Trump wrote. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”

The U.S. and Iran had been scheduled to resume nuclear negotiations this weekend in Muscat, Oman. However, in response to the Israeli strikes, Tehran has suspended its participation in the talks. Iranian state media confirmed that negotiations are halted “until further notice.”

Heavy Casualties and Strategic Targets

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched coordinated strikes on over 100 Iranian targets, including the Natanz nuclear site. According to IDF reports, 200 fighter jets dropped 330 munitions in the opening wave of the assault, with operations expected to continue over several days.

Among the dead are top-ranking Iranian military leaders, including General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer. The air raid struck an underground bunker housing senior officials of the IRGC’s air force command.

Trump emphasized that Iran’s leadership had been warned. “Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse,” he said. He reiterated that Israel possesses the world’s most advanced military equipment — much of it supplied by the U.S. — and “they know how to use it.”

Deal or Destruction

Despite the strikes, Trump expressed hope that the show of force might actually push Iran toward serious negotiations. In a conversation with a reporter, Trump said, “Maybe now they will negotiate seriously.” He added that Iran should have agreed to terms earlier, noting, “They were close. They should have done it. Maybe now it will happen.”

During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), citing Iran’s violations and the agreement’s failure to address long-term security. The administration has since insisted that any new agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons under any circumstance.

Trump suggested he might be open to Iran enriching uranium for civilian energy use — a major sticking point in prior negotiations — but stressed that weaponization will not be tolerated.

Following the Israeli attack, Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. involvement and urged Iran not to retaliate against American positions. Non-essential embassy staff in Iraq had been evacuated in advance due to the threat of Iranian retaliation. Tehran responded by launching more than 100 drones at Israeli targets, all of which were intercepted, according to Israeli officials.

As the situation escalates, future negotiations remain uncertain. With high-ranking Iranian officials dead and nuclear facilities damaged, Tehran’s appetite for diplomacy appears to have diminished. Trump, however, maintains that the path to peace remains open — but closing fast.