According to a report by The Telegraph on Friday, May 15, 2026, United States President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying Tehran must agree to a deal with Washington or face devastating consequences amid escalating tensions over its nuclear programme and regional security concerns.
“They’re finished now; they can make a deal, or they will be annihilated,” Trump said after in-depth discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on various issues, including Iran.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News on the final day of his visit to China, Trump declared that Iran’s current position had become untenable and urged its leaders to quickly pursue negotiations with the United States.
“Iran can either make a deal or face destruction,” Trump said, insisting that Washington would not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
The US president made the remarks after extensive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Iran reportedly featured prominently among several international issues discussed during the diplomatic meetings in Beijing.
Trump signalled growing impatience with Tehran, warning that his administration was unlikely to wait indefinitely for progress on negotiations.
“I’m not going to remain patient forever. They need to come to the table and make an agreement,” he said during the televised interview.
While discussing concerns surrounding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, Trump suggested that recovering the material was more important symbolically than strategically, though he added that he would still prefer the United States to secure it.
“I would rather have it under control, but I think part of the issue is about perception and public confidence,” he stated.
The American president also disclosed that Xi expressed support for diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. According to Trump, the Chinese leader indicated a willingness to assist in facilitating discussions if necessary.
“President Xi would like to see an agreement reached,” Trump said, adding that the Chinese president offered help in easing tensions. Trump further claimed that Xi assured him China would not supply military equipment to Iran despite Beijing’s close economic and strategic ties with Tehran.
China remains one of Iran’s largest oil buyers and maintains broad cooperation with the country across trade, energy, and defence sectors.
Trump also made striking comments regarding US military capabilities, claiming that senior American military officials had briefed him on how quickly key Iranian infrastructure could be neutralised if conflict escalated further.
According to him, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that major Iranian targets, including Kharg Island, could be disabled within minutes if required.
The US president used the interview to praise his relationship with Xi, describing the Chinese leader as disciplined, pragmatic, and influential.
