Trump threatens massive bombing if Iran refuses nuclear talks

US President Donald Trump issues a stark warning to Iran, vowing unprecedented bombings if Tehran rejects direct nuclear negotiations.

Two Iranian students aim a model rocket and a plastic toy AK-47 at two masked men portraying U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a rally marking International Quds Day, also known as Jerusalem Day, in Tehran, Iran, on March 28, 2025. Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

US President Donald Trump has issued his strongest warning yet to Iran, threatening large-scale bombings if Tehran refuses to engage in direct nuclear negotiations with the United States. The remarks mark a significant escalation in rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, further straining relations between the two nations.

Trump warns Iran of severe consequences

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday (March 30), Trump made it clear that his administration is prepared to take drastic measures if Iran continues to resist nuclear discussions.

"If there is no deal, there will be bombings. Bombings like they have never experienced before," Trump said, emphasizing that Iran’s refusal to negotiate would lead to severe military action.

This latest warning represents one of Trump's most aggressive statements against Iran since he took office, signaling a potential shift toward military confrontation if diplomatic efforts fail.

Iran refuses direct talks with the US

Earlier the same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s stance against direct negotiations with Washington. However, he did not completely shut the door on indirect talks.

According to reports, Iran has officially responded to a letter from Trump addressed to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in which the US president called for direct discussions on the nuclear issue.

While Pezeshkian acknowledged receiving Trump’s communication, he confirmed that Iran remains unwilling to engage in face-to-face negotiations with the US. Instead, Tehran is open to indirect diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing nuclear standoff.

Trump's pressure campaign on Iran

Since returning to office, Trump has intensified efforts to bring Iran back to the negotiating table. His administration has repeatedly stated that Tehran must commit to a new agreement that addresses not only Iran’s nuclear program but also its ballistic missile development and regional activities.

For months, Trump has sought to pressure Iran into accepting direct negotiations, warning of "very bad" consequences if it refuses. This latest statement appears to be a direct attempt to force Tehran into reconsidering its position through the threat of military action.

The legacy of Trump's Iran policy

Trump’s hardline stance on Iran is rooted in his previous decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, signed under former President Barack Obama, placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, in 2018, Trump unilaterally abandoned the deal, calling it "one of the worst agreements ever negotiated." He then reimposed sweeping economic sanctions on Iran, crippling its economy and leading to heightened tensions between the two nations.

Despite initially adhering to the JCPOA for a year after the US withdrawal, Iran has since rolled back its commitments, citing the failure of other signatories to uphold their end of the deal. Tehran has since expanded its nuclear activities, increasing uranium enrichment levels and limiting access to international inspectors.

The risk of military escalation

Trump’s latest remarks have raised concerns that tensions between the US and Iran could spiral into military conflict. While Washington has previously carried out targeted strikes against Iranian-linked forces, a large-scale bombing campaign would mark a significant escalation.

Analysts warn that any military action against Iran could trigger a broader regional conflict, drawing in Tehran’s allies across the Middle East. Iran has already signaled that it would retaliate forcefully against any direct US military attack.

The path forward for US-Iran relations

As tensions continue to rise, the question remains whether Trump’s aggressive approach will force Iran into negotiations or push the two nations closer to conflict. With Iran standing firm against direct talks and Trump intensifying his threats, the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough appears uncertain.

For now, Iran’s leadership remains resistant to US pressure, while Trump appears determined to escalate his rhetoric. Whether this leads to a new round of negotiations or a dangerous military confrontation remains to be seen.