Trump warns Iran of ‘annihilation’ unless nuclear deal reached

• Trump warns Iran it must reach a nuclear deal with the US or face “annihilation,” escalating pressure on Tehran in a televised interview.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it must reach a diplomatic agreement with Washington or face “annihilation,” escalating his rhetoric over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Speaking in a televised interview with US broadcasters, Trump said he hoped Iran was paying attention to his remarks, adding: “They can make a deal, or they get annihilated.”

He claimed Iran had recently moved military assets, including missiles, from underground facilities. “They’ve taken some missiles from underground. It will all be gone in one day,” he said, without providing evidence.

Trump also offered a mixed assessment of Iran’s leadership, suggesting a change in the country’s negotiating approach. “I think they are actually much more reasonable in many ways,” he said, adding that new officials were “smarter than the first tier and the second tier who are no longer with us.”

The US president also commented on nuclear material concerns, questioning the necessity of retrieving enriched uranium from Iranian territory, saying it was “not necessary except from a public relations standpoint.”

“I think it’s important for the fake news that we get it. I’m the one that said we are going to get it,” Trump added.