Trump Warns Iran of 'Bad Things' if No Nuclear Deal

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of unspecified "bad things" if the country does not reach a new nuclear deal with world powers, as tensions escalate in the Middle East. Iran is conducting annual military drills with Russia, while a second American aircraft carrier has drawn closer to the region, signaling both sides are prepared for potential conflict if talks fail.

Why it matters

The standoff over Iran's nuclear program has been a major source of tension between the U.S. and Iran for years. Failure to reach a new deal could lead to a dangerous military confrontation in the strategically vital Middle East region.

The details

Iran and Russia are holding joint military exercises this week, while the U.S. has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Both sides appear to be positioning themselves for potential conflict if diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal collapse. Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the original deal in 2018, warned that "bad things" will happen if Iran does not make a new agreement.

• The joint Iran-Russia military drills began on Thursday.
• A second U.S. aircraft carrier has recently moved closer to the Middle East.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers will continue, with the potential for further military posturing or even conflict if the talks fail.