Trump warns of ‘major attack’ on Iran if nuclear talks fail

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Tehran, signaling the potential for a major military strike if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program collapse. Speaking to reporters following a press event at the Oval Office, Trump portrayed Iran as economically fragile yet still capable of disrupting maritime traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Trump asserts US naval dominance in the strait

Trump claimed that the US Navy has fully secured the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that only tankers authorized by Washington are permitted passage. "We have completely cleared the mines. The Strait of Hormuz is currently open and 100 percent under the control of our navy," he stated. His remarks suggest a heightened US military posture in the waters that separate the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean, a region where any conflict would have immediate repercussions for Türkiye and other regional powers.

Threat of a large-scale military operation

The US leader emphasized that his administration is prepared to escalate beyond naval dominance if Iran remains intransigent. "You will see soon," Trump said, alluding to the possibility of a large-scale assault. "If we want to do it, we have the capacity to do it," he added, without providing specific details on the scope or timing of any potential operation. The comments come amid ongoing diplomatic stalemates regarding Tehran's uranium enrichment activities.

Regional implications and Türkiye's position

While Trump dismissed Iran's economic capabilities, claiming the country can no longer even pay its own military personnel, he acknowledged its persistent ability to create friction in the Strait of Hormuz. For Türkiye, which relies heavily on maritime routes for energy imports, any military confrontation in the Persian Gulf would pose significant economic and security challenges. Ankara has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to regional disputes, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue over military action.