By Friday morning, President Donald Trump had taken to Truth Social with a message that felt more like an ultimatum than diplomacy:
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter… come to an end.”
The statement came just hours after Israeli forces launched a coordinated overnight assault on Iranian nuclear and military sites, a dramatic escalation in tensions that had, until now, been playing out behind closed diplomatic doors. According to Israeli officials, the strikes were part of Operation Rising Lion, a “preemptive, precise offensive” to stop Iran from reaching nuclear weapons capability.
Iran responded quickly—with drone strikes of its own, including at least 100 launched toward Israel. Jordan confirmed that several drones entered its airspace, hinting at the regional scale of what may be unfolding.
Trump Tells Iran: “They Are All DEAD Now”
In his post, Trump claimed he had previously urged Iran to accept a nuclear deal.
“I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done,” he wrote.
Then, in a grim turn, he added:
“Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse.”
This wasn’t a statement of remorse. It was a warning wrapped in triumphalism.
Trump then reminded Iran of what he called “the best and most lethal military equipment” in the world—made in the U.S., and now, he implied, in Israeli hands.
“And they know how to use it,” he added.
The message was clear: Iran must make a deal—or be destroyed.
The U.S. Says It Didn’t Participate—But Supports Israel
Despite Trump’s ominous tone, the White House quickly distanced itself from the military action. In a statement released early Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed:
“We are not involved in strikes against Iran. Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
He added:
“Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” reinforcing the administration’s line that Israel acted alone, though the U.S. is standing firmly behind its ally.
Still, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation. In a televised statement, he warned that Israel “should anticipate a severe punishment” and had “prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see.”
See also: Israel Strikes Iran, Explosions Reported in Tehran
Nuclear Talks Collapsing in Real Time
Before the strikes, there had been tentative progress. Iran had signaled willingness to accept a new nuclear deal, and another round of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. was scheduled for this weekend in Muscat, Oman.
But on June 9, Iran rejected a U.S. proposal and submitted a counter-offer. The next day, Iranian lawmakers accused the U.S. of trying to “trap” Iran through negotiations, calling the proposals “offensive” and contrary to Iran’s sovereign rights.
Now, the talks look like they may be dead in the water—if not in open flames. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes and expressed concern over escalating violence, particularly given that they targeted nuclear facilities while diplomatic efforts were ongoing.
What Comes Next?
It’s unclear whether Israel will continue Operation Rising Lion or whether Iran will escalate its response beyond drone strikes. But what is clear is this: diplomacy is hanging by a thread, and Trump just put a torch to it.
His final words?
“Just do it, before it is too late.”
See also: Trump Booed at Les Misérables Opening Night—And the Irony Was Deafening
