Donald Trump has threatened Iran will “pay the price” for failing to agree a peace deal, striking an ominous new tone just days after expressing optimism that an agreement was close.
“Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore – They have been completely defeated,” the US president wrote on Truth Social. “The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!”
“Trump threatens Iran will 'pay the price' for slow peace talks, as diplomat Wendy Sherman says he won't pay the cost of war.”
The threat came as a fragile ceasefire – intended to allow talks – was tested by a fresh exchange of strikes on Wednesday, the second time this week after Iran and Israel targeted each other on Monday. The US had launched airstrikes blaming Tehran for the crash of an Apache attack helicopter, prompting new Iranian attacks on American bases in neighbouring countries.
But Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who served as deputy US secretary of state under President Biden and led negotiations for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, told Channel 4 News that Trump is “not willing to pay the price” to end the war. Her assessment contrasts sharply with Trump’s combative social media post, which did not specify what “pay the price” would mean.
Trump has repeatedly fluctuated between expressing optimism over talks and warning he is ready to return to all-out war. Iran, meanwhile, has proved resilient despite weeks of heavy bombing, betting its ability to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial passageway for the world’s oil and natural gas – gives it a strong bargaining chip.
Both countries appear to be seeking a way to end the conflict, if they can sell it as a win at home. Trump has said from the start he wanted Iran to give up its enriched uranium and end its nuclear ambitions. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems more intent on pursuing complex goals, including the collapse of Iran’s theocratic government and the destruction of the Iranian-allied Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.