Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated dramatically after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, threatening bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran refuses to negotiate a new nuclear deal. In response, Iran has reportedly placed its missiles on high alert in underground facilities, signaling a potential retaliation.

Speaking in a phone interview with American news broadcast on Sunday, Trump said, “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.” He also hinted at reimposing harsh economic measures similar to those used during his first term. “There’s a chance that if they don't make a deal, I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago,” he added.

Trump’s remarks came days after Iran rejected direct negotiations with Washington. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Sunday that Tehran would not engage in talks while under US military threats and economic pressure. Iran had earlier responded to Trump’s letter – sent via Oman – by reaffirming its stance against direct discussions.

In a swift reaction to Trump’s threats, Iran’s armed forces have reportedly put their missile systems on standby. The Iranian army posted on social media platform X that “Iran’s missiles are loaded onto launchers in all underground missile cities and are ready for launch. Opening Pandora’s box will come at a heavy cost for the US government and its allies.” According to Tehran Times, a significant number of launch-ready missiles are positioned across Iran's underground bases.

The nuclear standoff has been escalating since Trump's first term when he withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had imposed strict limitations on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. After reimposing broad economic sanctions, Iran has since exceeded the deal's agreed enrichment limits, raising concerns among Western powers that Tehran is developing nuclear weapons capabilities – an allegation Iran denies, insisting its program is for civilian purposes.

Meanwhile, Trump also took aim at Russia, threatening additional tariffs on its oil exports. He signed an executive order last week authorising secondary tariffs on buyers of Venezuelan oil and suggested similar measures could target Russia and Iran.

With diplomatic efforts at a standstill and both sides escalating their rhetoric and military posturing, the crisis appears poised to intensify further, with potential global repercussions.

(This story was taken from syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)