The United States has issued a sharp warning to Iran, saying President Donald Trump is prepared to escalate military action if Tehran refuses to accept that it has been “defeated militarily,” according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Leavitt struck a hard tone even as she confirmed that diplomatic talks with Iran are ongoing.
“President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” she said during the briefing.
Leavitt said Washington is still engaged in discussions with Tehran, describing them as “productive,” but made clear that failure to reach an understanding could lead to further strikes.
“Talks continue. They are productive, as the president said on Monday, and they continue to be,” she said. At the same time, she underscored the administration’s position that Iran must recognise the military reality on the ground.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt said.
The warning comes as the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran in its fourth week, with no clear end in sight despite growing international pressure for de-escalation.
Several countries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, have stepped in to explore mediation efforts, though it remains uncertain when or where any formal talks might take place.
IRAN REVIEWING US PROPOSAL
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is still reviewing a US proposal to end the conflict, even after initially responding negatively — suggesting the door to negotiations remains open.
Leavitt acknowledged reports of a US-backed framework but declined to provide specifics. “There are elements of truth but some reports have been not entirely factual,” she said. “I am not going to negotiate on behalf of the president here at the podium.”
While Washington says it is close to achieving its core military objectives, the dual track of diplomacy and threats highlights the fragile state of the conflict.
