Washington / Tehran / Brussels — Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Tehran could face a “far worse” military response if it refuses to negotiate a new nuclear deal.
Trump said the U.S. was prepared to deploy a “massive armada” to the region and reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. His comments come amid reports that U.S. officials are considering measures to increase pressure on Iran’s leadership during ongoing domestic unrest.
Iran responded by saying it remains open to negotiations, but only “with dignity and respect,” while warning it is ready to retaliate quickly against any military action. Iranian officials stressed that talks cannot take place under threats.
At the same time, the European Union is moving toward a tougher stance on Tehran. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said discussions are underway to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. France and Spain have signaled support for the move, which would pave the way for broader sanctions tied to Iran’s nuclear program and human rights record.
Global markets reacted to the rising geopolitical risk. Oil prices climbed on concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East, while gold and silver hovered near record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets.
The confrontation has become one of the most significant international flashpoints, with diplomats warning that further escalation could destabilize the region and global markets.