US President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on Iran Tuesday, issuing a stark ultimatum from the White House: secure a nuclear deal soon or brace for dire repercussions. ‘If there’s no deal, things will get very painful,’ Trump told journalists, underscoring his reluctance yet firm resolve.
Pressed on deadlines, Trump indicated no prolonged delays. ‘We need a resolution in about a month. Iran must come to the table fast,’ he said. He warned of deteriorating conditions if negotiations falter, alluding to an ominous ‘Phase 2’ without elaborating on its components.
These comments followed Trump’s discussions with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump praised the productive talks but reaffirmed his authority on next steps. ‘Netanyahu gets it, but I’m in charge,’ he stated, dismissing suggestions to abandon diplomacy prematurely.
The statement reflects a calculated US tactic: keeping channels open while tightening the screws. Background tensions trace back to the US exit from the 2015 JCPOA under Trump, reigniting disputes over uranium enrichment and broader Middle East stability.
India watches closely, as Gulf volatility directly impacts its energy imports and expatriate community. Heightened US-Iran strife risks oil supply shocks, inflationary pressures, and compromised safety for Indian workers in the region, potentially reshaping South Asian economic landscapes.