President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Thursday, warning that the United States could attack the country "very hard" if negotiations over its nuclear program fail, while simultaneously using a White House ceremony for a major border security package to reinforce his administration's broader national security agenda.
Speaking during the signing of the Secure America Act, a roughly $70 billion border enforcement measure broadcast live by Fox News, Trump defended his approach to Iran and suggested military action remained a realistic option if Tehran continues to resist a proposed agreement aimed at preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The remarks came after reporters questioned Trump about a recent statement in which he said Iran would "pay the price" for delaying negotiations. The president responded by sharpening his warning.
"We'll be attacking them and attacking them very hard," Trump said, adding that his administration had spent months attempting to secure an agreement with Tehran.
The comments highlighted the increasingly narrow space between diplomacy and military pressure that has defined the administration's Iran strategy. While U.S. officials continue to insist negotiations remain active, Trump's latest remarks underscored growing frustration with the pace of talks.
Fox News carried the White House event live, interrupting regular programming to cover the signing of the Secure America Act. The legislation provides billions of dollars in additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol, expanding personnel, technology and enforcement capabilities along the southern border.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the domestic policy achievement, Trump used the event to broaden the discussion into foreign affairs, presenting border security and international threats as part of the same national security framework.
Administration officials said the legislation represents one of the largest investments in immigration enforcement in recent years. The measure is intended to strengthen operational capacity at the border while supporting broader efforts to reduce illegal crossings.
Trump repeatedly returned to Iran throughout the event, arguing that any future agreement must permanently block Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. He criticized what he characterized as slow-moving negotiations and suggested Iran had been given ample opportunity to reach a deal.
The president's warning comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military confrontations in the region. U.S. officials have previously described strikes against Iranian-linked targets as responses to attacks on American interests and personnel.
Reuters has reported that Trump has repeatedly signaled a willingness to authorize military action if diplomacy fails. Previous reporting by The Wall Street Journal also detailed internal debates within the administration over whether continued negotiations or increased military pressure offered the best path forward.
