Trump Warns of Severe U.S. Retaliation If Iran Launches Attack

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening devastating military retaliation should the Islamic Republic strike the United States. The statement, delivered via his Truth Social platform on Sunday, comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a wave of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and intelligence sites.

Trump firmly denied any U.S. involvement in Israel’s latest military campaign, which began in the early hours of Friday. The Israeli operation has reportedly resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran has launched a barrage of missiles, further intensifying the regional conflict.

“The United States had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight,” Trump stated. “But let me be very clear—if we are attacked in any way, shape, or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”

Trump’s message is the clearest indication yet that he would adopt an aggressive stance against any perceived Iranian aggression, even as he seeks to distance the U.S. from direct involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The former president’s remarks appear to be both a warning and an attempt to manage the narrative around growing tensions in the region. His statement followed widespread speculation about the extent of U.S. knowledge and possible coordination with Israel’s operation, especially given Washington’s longstanding alliance with Tel Aviv.

Trump Issues Stern Warning to Iran, Pledges Unprecedented U.S. Military Response if Attacked

In his post, Trump went on to suggest that peace between Israel and Iran is still achievable despite the worsening hostilities. “We can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!” he added, though he did not provide details on how such a deal might be brokered amid the current climate.

Trump’s comments come as Iran reels from a bold and deadly Israeli operation that Tehran claims has decimated critical nuclear infrastructure and killed several of its top scientists and generals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly vowed to continue striking what he calls “every target of the ayatollah regime,” showing no signs of de-escalation.

In response, Iranian officials have issued their own threats, warning of further retaliation if Israel continues its offensive. The tit-for-tat strikes have raised alarm across the international community, with fears of a broader regional war looming.

On Friday, before Iran’s missile barrage, Trump had already urged the Islamic Republic to seek a diplomatic solution rather than risk even more devastating attacks. “Make a deal or face even more brutal consequences from Israel,” he reportedly said, warning that time was running out for de-escalation.

This latest standoff brings renewed attention to Trump’s foreign policy legacy with Iran. During his first term in office, Trump made headlines by unilaterally withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—which had been negotiated under President Barack Obama. The deal, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanction relief, was a cornerstone of Obama-era diplomacy. Trump, however, called it “one of the worst deals ever made” and instead reinstated harsh sanctions on Tehran, a move that significantly strained relations between the two countries.

Since then, efforts to revive the agreement have faltered, and Iran has ramped up its nuclear activities, further complicating diplomatic efforts. The current crisis underscores how fragile the situation has become, with Israel now taking direct action to counter what it views as an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump’s posture appears designed to reassure both U.S. allies and domestic supporters of his strong national security credentials, while also framing himself as a potential dealmaker capable of resolving long-standing Middle East tensions. Still, critics argue that his policies contributed to the current instability by dismantling the diplomatic framework built during previous administrations.

As the conflict unfolds, global powers including Russia, China, and European Union members have called for restraint, urging all sides to avoid further escalation and return to the negotiating table. However, with military actions intensifying and rhetoric hardening, the prospect of an immediate ceasefire remains uncertain.

Trump’s warning may resonate with a domestic audience gearing up for a contentious 2024 election, where foreign policy could become a central issue. Whether his statements will deter Iranian action or fuel further instability remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the former president remains a significant voice in shaping the U.S. response to Middle East conflicts—even from outside the Oval Office.

Source –punchng