President Trump escalated his public pressure campaign against Iran Wednesday morning, warning Tehran of fresh consequences if it refuses to agree to a new nuclear deal following the collapse of initial peace talks in Pakistan earlier this month.
"Iran can't get their act together. They don't know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!" Trump wrote on social media, adding, "No more Mr. Nice Guy!"
The warning comes as major combat operations that began February 28 continue across Iran, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Trump announced an open-ended extension of a two-week ceasefire and continuation of the blockade until Iran submits a formal proposal and discussions conclude "one way or the other."
Trump also fired back at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of American strategy in Iran, claiming Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about" and "thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon" — something Merz never stated in his Monday remarks. As Insider Wire previously reported, Merz had said the U.S. had "no strategy" in Iran and was "being humiliated by the Iranian state leadership."
"If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage. I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago," Trump said. He added a swipe at Germany's economic performance: "No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise."
The diplomatic tensions emerged during Trump's state dinner with Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla on April 28, where discussions reportedly focused on Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, Israeli operations continue expanding in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces reported Wednesday that strikes against alleged Hezbollah targets proceeded through Tuesday "north of the forward defense line" — a boundary inside southern Lebanon marking the edge of Israel's planned buffer zone along the border.
The IDF acknowledged "several incidents" of drone attacks on Israeli forces Tuesday that left one soldier lightly wounded. Smoke was visible rising from explosions in the southern Lebanese village of Arnoun as Israeli troops conducted operations.
The Trump administration simultaneously tightened economic pressure, launching another wave of sanctions targeting nearly three dozen entities and individuals accused of operating Iran's shadow banking networks. This represents the latest effort to strangle Tehran's ability to finance military operations and nuclear development.
The military campaign has now stretched beyond two months without forcing Iran to accept nuclear restrictions, raising questions about the effectiveness of the pressure strategy. With Trump's latest ultimatum, American taxpayers face the prospect of prolonged military engagement until Tehran capitulates or the administration shifts tactics.
