US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington used the ceasefire period with Iran to replenish its weapons stockpiles, while claiming Tehran had likely done the same and was attempting to move missiles.
Trump’s sinister warning comes as world leaders plead for the fragile ceasefire to be extended to allow for further discussions to narrow the distance between the two parties.
Trump told CNBC on Tuesday that he was “ready to go” on resuming strikes if prospects for a signed deal failed to materialise, while also expressing confidence that the two sides would ultimately reach a “great deal” — one he previously said would surpass the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Meanwhile, Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said in an interview with Irna, that Iran does not seek renewed attacks but will respond “more forcefully than before” if targeted again.
“We do not want to face renewed attacks, but if such attacks occur, we will certainly respond more strongly than before,” she said.
Mohajerani said Iran is pursuing both diplomatic and defence strategies simultaneously, stressing that both approaches are aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity.
She added that Iran’s defence forces are on full alert and described the country’s approach as “negotiating while prepared,” underscoring readiness on both diplomatic and military fronts.
Trump earlier on Tuesday claimed that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, seized on Sunday by US forces after refusing to comply with blockade directions, was carrying what he described as a “gift from China”. US Central Command has confirmed the vessel remains in US custody following the interception. China did not immediately respond to this claim. Iran has made a similar accusation against the US.
On a possible currency arrangement with the United Arab Emirates, Trump said a swap is “under consideration,” calling the Gulf state “a good country.”
The two-week ceasefire, which ends on Wednesday evening Washington time, has been described by the president as having been violated “numerous times” by Iran. He earlier said extending it was “highly unlikely” if a deal was not reached beforehand.
US Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to travel to Islamabad for a new round of talks. Iran has not officially confirmed its participation, having demanded the lifting of the US naval blockade as a precondition.
Trump said in a separate Truth Social post that strikes he ordered on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June 2025 “totally obliterated the Nuclear Dust locations to the point where bloodthirsty Iran has been unable to get to it, or dig it out”.
“Space Force has cameras on every inch of the three sites that were so brilliantly hit last June!” he said. – AA