Trump: "Israel's attack was excellent… Iran must reach an agreement before it's too late"

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran, which suffered a large-scale airstrike by Israel, to enter into a nuclear agreement with the United States before it is too late.

On the 13th (local time), President Trump warned Iran through his social networking service (SNS) Truth Social, "Although there has already been tremendous death and destruction, there is still time to end this massacre," adding, "The next attacks that have already been planned will be even harsher."

He continued, "Iran must make an agreement before there is nothing left, and it should also preserve what was once known as the Persian Empire."

President Trump also mentioned that he has repeatedly warned that the military option would be on the table if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal, saying, "The hardliners in Iran did not know what would happen. They are all dead now, and the situation will get even worse going forward."

In another post uploaded shortly thereafter, Trump said that two months ago, he demanded a nuclear deal from Iran and gave them a 60-day deadline, adding, "Today is the 61st day. I told them what to do, but they simply failed to reach that point."

He further stated, "Now they probably have a second chance."

Regarding Iran's nuclear program, the Trump administration is demanding that Iran give up its independent uranium enrichment, which forms the basis for extracting warhead material, while Iran is resisting, declaring that it will build additional enrichment facilities within the country.

The nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States were scheduled to resume on the 15th in Muscat, Oman. However, in the early hours of today, just two days ahead of the planned talks, Israel launched a surprise airstrike on Iran.

In connection with this, ABC News reported that President Trump, in a phone interview with an ABC News reporter this morning, said he thought Israel's attack on Iran was "excellent."

According to the report, Trump said, "We gave them (Iran) a chance, and they did not accept it. They were hit very hard," adding, "And there is more to come, much more."

CNN reported, citing sources, that despite Israel's attack, the Trump administration still hopes the sixth round of nuclear talks with Iran will take place in Oman as scheduled.

Bohbae Lee, Hankyung.com contributing reporter newsinfo@hankyung.com