US President Donald Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader should be “very worried,” as both sides prepare for their first formal negotiations since the US bombed Tehran’s nuclear program last year.

Trump Warns Iran’s Supreme Leader Ahead of First High-Stakes Nuclear Talks Since US Strikes
The fragile balance between Washington and Tehran is once again under intense scrutiny after US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran’s supreme leader, saying he should be “very worried,” as both countries prepare for their first formal negotiations since the United States bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities last year.
The comments come at a critical moment in US–Iran relations, which have remained deeply strained since the airstrikes that targeted Tehran’s nuclear program. Those strikes, carried out amid claims that Iran was accelerating weapons-grade enrichment, marked one of the most dramatic escalations between the two nations in decades.

Now, diplomats from both sides are preparing to sit across the table for talks that many analysts describe as a last opportunity to prevent further confrontation. While officials have not publicly disclosed the agenda, sources familiar with the discussions say the focus will center on nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, and regional security guarantees.
President Trump’s warning underscores the pressure the United States is placing on Iran as negotiations approach.

Speaking to reporters, Trump framed the talks as a test of Iran’s intentions, insisting that Tehran must abandon any ambition of nuclear weapons or face “serious consequences.” The rhetoric signals that Washington is entering negotiations from a position of strength, while making clear that military options remain on the table.
In Tehran, the response has been defiant but cautious. Iranian officials have repeatedly condemned last year’s bombing as a violation of international law, while also signaling willingness to negotiate if the talks respect Iran’s sovereignty and lead to meaningful sanctions relief.

Hardliners within the country remain skeptical, arguing that past agreements failed to protect Iran from US pressure.
International observers warn that the upcoming negotiations carry enormous stakes. A successful diplomatic breakthrough could stabilize the Middle East, ease tensions in global energy markets, and reduce the risk of a wider conflict. Failure, however, could trigger renewed military action or accelerate Iran’s nuclear activities, drawing in regional powers and allies.
As both sides prepare for talks under the shadow of past violence and ongoing mistrust, the world watches closely. Whether these negotiations mark the beginning of de-escalation or simply a pause before the next crisis may depend on how far each side is willing to compromise — and how seriously they take the warnings now shaping the tone of diplomacy.