Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran Ahead of China Summit
Trump's Firm Stance on Iran
As President Donald Trump prepares for a two-day summit with China's President Xi Jinping, he has reiterated a strong warning to Iran. Speaking to the press at the White House, Trump asserted that the situation in the Middle East is manageable, stating, "We have Iran very much under control. We're either going to make a deal or they're going to be decimated." When questioned about whether Xi should intervene in Iran, Trump confidently replied, "I don't think we need any help with Iran. We'll win it one way or the other. We'll win it peacefully or otherwise. Their Navy is gone. Their Air Force is gone. Every single element of their war machine is gone." He emphasized, "It's very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon... We don't play games. They're not going to have a nuclear weapon."
In response, Iranian officials have maintained their hardline position. Kazem Gharibabadi, a deputy foreign minister, took to social media to assert that any peace agreement must include reparations for Iran, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of US sanctions.
.@POTUS: "It's very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon... We don't play games. They're not going to have a nuclear weapon." pic.twitter.com/DghBNoGjwZ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 12, 2026
These remarks come as the ceasefire, which has been in place for a month, appears to be increasingly unstable. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress that the United States is prepared to escalate its involvement if necessary. Trump has expressed a desire for a quick resolution to the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing economic worries by stating, "As soon as this war is over, which will not be long, you're going to see oil prices drop." He added that reopening the Strait will lead to a significant increase in oil supply, asserting, "What matters more than oil prices is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. They will not have a nuclear weapon." The ongoing conflict has contributed to rising prices for Americans, with recent data indicating inflation reached 3.8% last month.
Trump also outlined his intention to discuss the situation in Iran with Xi Jinping, stating, "We're going to have a long talk about it. I think he's been relatively good, to be honest with you. You look at the blockade, no problem. They get a lot of their oil from that area. We've had no problem." Meanwhile, Ebrahim Rezaei, a spokesperson for Iran's national security committee, warned that Tehran might consider enriching uranium to 90% purity, which is deemed weapons-grade, if it faces further attacks.