Trump’s Stark Warning on Iran: ‘Bombs or a Deal—There’s No Third Option’

In a high-stakes interview with Fox News on Monday, President Donald Trump made a bold declaration about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, saying the country is now vulnerable and desperate for negotiations following devastating Israeli airstrikes.

"Iran is very concerned. Iran is very frightened, to be honest with you, because their defense is pretty much gone," Trump stated, referencing last year’s Israeli aerial assault, which reportedly decimated multiple Russian-supplied S-300 anti-air systems.

"Maybe they’re trying to replace them as we speak, but right now, their defense is largely gone… Iran is very nervous. I think they’re scared. I think Iran would love to make a deal, and I would love to make a deal with them without bombing them," Trump continued.

His remarks follow his administration’s move to reinstate “maximum pressure” sanctions, specifically targeting Iran’s oil exports—echoing the aggressive policies of his first term when he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA).

The Two Options: Diplomacy or Destruction

Trump was clear about the two paths ahead:

"Everyone thinks Israel, with our help or approval, will go in and bomb the hell out of them," he said, adding that Washington’s authorization would be required for such an attack.

"I would prefer that not happen. I'd much rather see a deal with Iran where we can supervise, check, and inspect."

Then came the headline-making statement:

“There are only two ways to stop them: with bombs or a written piece of paper.”

Trump stressed that diplomacy is his preferred route, but the military option remains on the table.

Iran Dismisses Trump’s Stance, Calls US Moves “Insincere”

However, earlier that same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back, accusing Washington of acting in bad faith.

"If the US were sincere about negotiations, why did they impose more sanctions?" Pezeshkian asked during a speech marking the 46th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.

The latest round of US sanctions has heightened tensions, with Tehran growing increasingly wary of potential coordinated military action by Washington and Tel Aviv.

Will Iran Build the Bomb? US Intelligence Says ‘Not Yet’

Despite growing concerns, US intelligence assessments suggest that Iran’s leadership has yet to give the order to develop a nuclear weapon. The CIA has maintained that, while Tehran has the capability to push forward, its leaders have historically refrained—at least publicly—on the grounds that nuclear arms are “un-Islamic.”

Still, given the volatile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics, concerns are mounting that Iran may accelerate its nuclear program in response to external threats.

Trump, however, remains firm in his position:

"I want Iran to be a great and successful country, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon," he posted on X earlier this month. "Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens are greatly exaggerated."

What Happens Next?

With Iran feeling the heat from military setbacks and economic sanctions, the world is watching to see which of Trump’s two options will play out—a diplomatic resolution or a military showdown.

For now, the choice is in Tehran’s hands.