April 21, 2026, 10:57 am
File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)
US President Donald Trump has warned of a major escalation in the Iran conflict, saying “lots of bombs start going off” if the fragile ceasefire expires without a deal, as uncertainty looms over fresh peace talks.Speaking to PBS News in a phone call on Monday, Trump made it clear that military action could resume immediately if negotiations fail. “Then lots of bombs start going off,” he said when asked about the consequences of the truce ending.The warning comes as a US delegation prepares to head to Islamabad for another round of talks aimed at ending the war, though it remains unclear whether Iran will participate.
Trump said Iran was “supposed to be there” for the negotiations but added, “we’ll see whether or not it’s there. If they’re not there, that’s fine too,” as per PBS News.At the core of Washington’s demands is a firm red line, “No nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.However, Tehran has pushed back against negotiating under pressure. Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said, “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” signalling continued resistance.
Trump has also ramped up rhetoric in recent days, warning of potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached. The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports and demanded the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.The ongoing disruption has fuelled volatility in energy markets and added urgency to diplomatic efforts.The two-week ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, is set to expire imminently, with Trump indicating he is “highly unlikely” to extend it. The conflict has already caused significant casualties across the region and heightened global economic concerns.Despite the tensions, Trump expressed confidence in his negotiating team, calling it an “A-team”, and suggested that oil prices could fall sharply if a deal is reached.
