Trump warns of Iran strikes if nuclear deal fails

US President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that military strikes against Iran would resume if a final nuclear accord is not reached, telling The New York Times that negotiations expected to begin in Switzerland later this week must succeed or face renewed hostilities.

Nuclear accord deadline

In the interview, Trump said the alternative to a diplomatic settlement would see the United States become "the guardian of the Middle East" in return for 20 percent of the region's revenues, adding that any agreement must ensure the Strait of Hormuz is "permanently toll free."

Peace deal confirmed

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced early Monday that Washington and Tehran had reached a peace agreement to end weeks of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. Trump confirmed the accord on his Truth Social platform, stating it is "now complete" and authorizing the immediate removal of the US naval blockade from the strategic waterway. "Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" he wrote.

Israeli objections

During the Times interview conducted before the public announcement, Trump acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had objected to the settlement, calling him "a very difficult guy" who should be grateful for the outcome. "If Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn't be around for two hours," Trump said.