On Tuesday, August 5, 2026, President Donald Trump renewed his warning to Iran, stating the United States could strike the country "really hard" if negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapse again. Speaking to Fox News' Trace Gallagher, Trump said, "If they back out again, they're going to get hit really hard."

Trump emphasized that military action remains an option should diplomacy fail, adding, "The hard hit is yet to come, and hopefully we won't have to use it."

These comments followed days after Trump postponed a planned military strike on Iran, which he described as potentially the largest since World War II. The delay came after Tehran and several Middle Eastern countries requested additional time to negotiate over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Trump recalled, "We were going to a tremendous attack, the biggest since World War II, and they called me and said very politely, 'Please, can we talk? Can we talk?' And I said, 'Yes, we can talk. Let's get it done.'"

Despite Iran's repeated public denials that direct talks were underway, the negotiations continue amid ongoing tensions. Trump underscored the U.S. stance, stating, "They know that. They understand that. I have no choice. They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple."

President Trump also vowed that the United States will prevail as talks fade, warning that the fighting isn't over.

Sources