Trump Issues Fresh Warning To Iran As U.S. Prepares For Strike

Former president says Iran 'can't have a nuclear weapon' and must make a deal or 'bad things will happen'

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the country 'can't have a nuclear weapon' and must make a deal with the United States, or else 'bad things will happen.' Trump's comments come as the U.S. is reportedly building up military forces in the Middle East region.

Why it matters

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have remained high in recent years, with both sides accusing the other of aggression and threatening military action. Trump's latest warning signals that the potential for direct conflict between the two countries still looms, with significant geopolitical and security implications for the Middle East and global stability.

The details

Speaking at a meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., Trump reiterated his longstanding position that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. He stated that 'you can't have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon, and they can't have a nuclear weapon.' The former president added that Iran 'must make a deal, or if that doesn't happen, bad things will happen.'

  • Trump made the comments on February 19, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021.

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What they’re saying

“You can't have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon, and they can't have a nuclear weapon, and they've been told that very strongly.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Forbes)

“They must make a deal, or if that doesn't happen, bad things will happen.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (Forbes)

What’s next

The U.S. is reportedly building up military forces in the Middle East region, potentially signaling preparations for a possible strike against Iran. However, it remains to be seen if diplomatic efforts will prevail or if the situation will escalate further.

The takeaway

Trump's renewed threats against Iran underscore the ongoing tensions and potential for conflict between the two countries, with significant implications for regional and global stability. The situation will likely continue to be closely watched by the international community.