Trump threatens Iran with 'price' for delaying nuclear deal, hints at new strikes on energy infrastructure

Trump's Truth Social broadside

President Donald Trump issued a blistering attack on Iran via Truth Social on Wednesday, declaring its military 'a total mess' and warning that Tehran would 'pay the price' for taking too long to negotiate a deal. The post came hours after overnight US retaliatory strikes for the downing of an American military helicopter, and as Iran launched counterattacks on several US bases in the region.

Iran's military is a total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn't even exist anymore — they have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!!

Trump insisted Iran had been offered an 'excellent' agreement but had squandered the opportunity. 'They took way too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, and now they will have to pay the price!!!' he wrote, signing the post 'President Donald Trump'.

Looming strikes on energy and bridges

According to Fox News, Trump is close to ordering a new wave of attacks targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and bridges. The report, cited by multiple Greek outlets, suggests the administration is preparing to escalate militarily while diplomatic channels remain open. No further details on the timing or scale of the potential strikes were provided.

Qatar's last-ditch mediation

Even as Trump threatened further action, diplomatic efforts continued. A source familiar with the situation told Reuters that Qatari negotiators travelled to Tehran on Wednesday morning in an attempt to finalise an agreement, following consultations with the United States. The flurry of mediation underscores the narrowing window for a negotiated settlement before a new round of hostilities begins.

Qatari negotiators travelled to Tehran on Wednesday morning in an effort to finalise a deal after consultations with the United States.

A rapidly deteriorating standoff

The exchange of fire and threats marks a sharp escalation in US-Iran tensions. Overnight US strikes were launched in retaliation for the downing of an American military helicopter, and Iran responded with attacks on multiple US military bases in the region. Trump's rhetoric — calling Iran 'all talk and no action' and pronouncing the 'bully of the Middle East' dead — signals a shift away from the diplomatic track he had previously left open.