'Don't Want To Strike Iran, But Sometimes You Have To': Trump Signals Force Even As Talks Shift To Vienna

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 04:09 IST

The US President’s remarks followed a third round of high-stakes indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland, which reportedly ended without a breakthrough

President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric against Tehran, stating that while he would “love not to use" the United States military to strike Iran, “sometimes you have to". Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn on Friday, the President expressed mounting frustration over Iran’s perceived refusal to comply with American demands to dismantle its nuclear programme and curb its ballistic missile development.

Negotiations at an Impasse

The President’s remarks followed a third round of high-stakes indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland, which reportedly ended without a breakthrough. United States negotiators, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have demanded that Iran permanently dismantle its key nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Furthermore, Washington is insisting that Tehran ship its entire stockpile of enriched uranium to the United States and agree to a permanent deal without “sunset clauses".

Tehran, however, has maintained a firm “red line" regarding its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment. While Iranian officials suggested that “significant progress" was made on technical levels, they have categorically rejected the demand to export their uranium or shutter domestic facilities. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has accused the Trump administration of an “ideological obsession" and “misinformation", asserting that its programme remains entirely civilian in nature.

A Massive Military Buildup

The diplomatic deadlock coincides with a significant American military presence in West Asia. The United States has assembled two carrier strike groups in the region, a deployment analysts describe as the most aggressive since the 2003 Iraq War. Adding to the tension, the State Department issued an advisory on Friday urging non-essential government personnel and private American citizens to leave Israel immediately, citing the heightened risk of regional conflict.

The Intelligence Debate

A central point of contention is the President’s claim, made during his recent State of the Union address, that Iran is developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the American homeland. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has echoed these concerns, some intelligence reports suggest that a viable Iranian ICBM remains years away from operational reality.

Despite the looming threat of force, Vice President JD Vance has signalled that the administration is “being careful" to avoid a protracted “forever war". However, as technical talks shift to Vienna next week, the President’s latest ultimatum underscores a hardening stance: Washington will either secure a “total deal" or pivot towards a military solution to prevent what it deems an inevitable nuclear threat.

News world 'Don't Want To Strike Iran, But Sometimes You Have To': Trump Signals Force Even As Talks Shift To Vienna

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