Trump warns Iran of possible military action as regional tensions escalate

US President Donald Trump warned that the United States could take renewed military action against Iran, saying he was “not going to be much more patient” and urging Tehran to reach a deal during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Trump alleged that Iran had recently tried to rebuild its missile capabilities, claiming the country had “probably dug up some missiles from underground” and that Washington was closely monitoring Tehran’s activities.

His remarks came on Friday, May 15, as the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its 77th day, further heightening tensions across the region.

Israeli officials said the country would remain on high alert through the weekend amid fears of a possible escalation involving the United States. They added that any military action would be coordinated with the Israeli army.

According to Israel’s public broadcaster, Israeli and American military officials discussed possible confrontation scenarios involving Iran over the past week.

During the interview, Trump reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, alleging that Tehran could use such weapons against Israel, the Middle East and the US.

He also claimed Iran had been “militarily defeated” and said Washington had imposed a comprehensive blockade on the country. Trump further stated that oil prices had risen only slightly despite the ongoing conflict and predicted they would soon fall again.

Speaking about his China visit, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him that Beijing would not provide military support to Iran. He added that Xi wanted the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and opposed Iranian attempts to impose fees on ships using the route.

Trump said Xi also supported efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran. The US president was concluding a two-day state visit to Beijing — his first trip to China since 2017.

In a notable shift in Washington’s position, Trump said he would prefer the US to control Iran’s enriched uranium but suggested that keeping it under international supervision could also be acceptable, instead of exporting it abroad.

He also described Iran’s current leadership as “more rational” compared to previous administrations.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran could not be weakened through military pressure.

“It should be clear to everyone that Iran cannot be defeated, and the more pressure it is subjected to, the stronger and more united it appears than before,” Araghchi said.

Iranian analyst Abbas Aslani told Al Jazeera that Tehran was closely watching developments in Beijing and discussions among BRICS foreign ministers as it explored alternatives in case talks with Washington failed.

At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Araghchi urged countries to unite against what he called “American bullying”, saying nations facing similar pressure should work together against coercive policies.

Former US President Barack Obama also defended the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during an interview with CBS, saying the agreement had successfully restricted Iran’s nuclear programme without sparking wider conflict in the region.

“We got 97 percent of their enriched uranium out,” Obama said. “There’s no dispute that it worked.”

Obama added that the deal had been achieved “without firing a missile” or disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, talks between Israel and Lebanon over an expiring ceasefire were described by a senior US State Department official as “productive and positive”, with negotiations expected to continue for a second consecutive day.