Donald Trump asked if US will launch attack on Iran? His reply to journalist

Donald Trump claimed that Iran has a lot of troubles and wants to negotiate.

Updated on: Jun 19, 2025, 02:28:41 IST

By HT News Desk

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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he “may or may not” order a strike by American armed forces on Iran.

President Donald Trump speaks about a flag pole being installed on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (AP)

While interacting with reporters in the White House, Donald Trump claimed that Iran has a lot of troubles and wants to negotiate. Follow LIVE updates.

“I may do it (strikes), I may not do it, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you that Iran has a lot of troubles and they want to negotiate. Why didn't they negotiate with me 2 weeks ago?...”

Trump also added that it’s not “too late” for Iran to give up its nuclear program and warned that next week is going to be “very big”.

“Nothing’s too late,” Trump said. “I can tell you this. Iran’s got a lot of trouble. Nothing is finished until it is finished,” Trump said while adding that “the next week is going to be very big— maybe less than a week."

Also Read | Donald Trump repeats stopping India-Pak conflict claim: 'I love Pakistan, Modi a fantastic man'

He also replied to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who refused to respond to his demand for an unconditional surrender from Iran.

“Iran is in ruins…Good luck if they don't surrender," Trump said.

Earlier in the day, Khamenei had warned that any United States strikes targeting the Islamic Republic will “result in irreparable damage for them” and that his country would not bow to Trump’s call for surrender.

Also Read | Donald Trump says ‘Iran is in ruins', wishes 'good luck' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'doesn't surrender'

"This nation will never surrender," Khamenei said in a speech, in which he called Trump's ultimatum "unacceptable".

"America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage," he said.

On Tuesday, Trump had said that US knows where Khamenei is hiding but doesn’t want him killed — “for now.” “He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now," Trump said.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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