Donald Trump has warned that military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities remains an option if Tehran rejects a new proposal from Washington aimed at restricting its nuclear programme.
Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that any future agreement must prohibit Iran from enriching uranium — even at low levels. This stance comes despite earlier indications that the proposal could allow limited enrichment for a temporary period.
“If they continue enrichment, we’ll have no alternative but to act differently,” Trump said. “I don’t want to do it, but we would have no choice. No enrichment.”
Officials say Trump has so far declined to authorise Israeli military action against Iran, concerned that such a move could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Tehran signals Rejection as Tensions Rise
The warning follows Trump’s call earlier in the week for Iran to respond swiftly to the US proposal. After a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin — who offered to help mediate — Trump posted on Truth Social, criticising Tehran for “dragging its feet” and saying Washington needed “a definitive answer very soon”.
Iranian officials have expressed opposition to the plan. A senior diplomat reportedly told Reuters the proposal was a “non-starter”, arguing that the US had not shown flexibility on the issue of uranium enrichment — a central sticking point.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a speech rejecting the US proposal and accusing Washington of trying to deny Iran its right to a sovereign nuclear programme. “Who are you to tell Tehran whether we should have a nuclear programme?” he asked. He added that without the ability to enrich uranium, Iran’s programme would be “worthless”.
Trump reintroduces travel ban targeting multiple nations
Elsewhere, Trump commented on his ongoing dispute with Elon Musk, repeating a threat to cancel federal contracts with Musk’s companies — including SpaceX — while downplaying the personal nature of the feud.
“I’m so busy with China, Russia, Iran — I’m not really thinking about Elon,” Trump said. “I wish him all the best.”
He added that the US could function without nearly anyone, “except me”.
SpaceX currently operates Dragon, the only American spacecraft transporting astronauts to the International Space Station. Musk had threatened to withdraw the craft from service during an online row with Trump but later reversed course.
Separately, Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday barring entry to the US for citizens of 12 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia, citing national security concerns. The new restrictions, which come into force on Monday, also impose limits on travellers from seven other countries, including Cuba, Venezuela and Laos.
The measure revives elements of the 2017 travel ban that applied to several Muslim-majority nations. The administration maintains that this version rests on stronger legal foundations, pointing to a Supreme Court decision supporting presidential powers on immigration matters.
Iran condemned the policy as discriminatory and accused Washington of displaying a “racist mindset”. Officials in Tehran said the measure violated international law and reflected entrenched hostility toward both Iranians and Muslims.
The proclamation followed an attack in Boulder, Colorado, in which an Egyptian national — living in the US illegally — injured 15 pro-Israel demonstrators with Molotov cocktails. Egypt was not among the countries included in the new travel restrictions.
