Trump says Iran deal not yet ripe, military option remains on table

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran is not yet ready to sign an agreement but kept diplomatic channels open and kept a military option on the table. Speaking to reporters, Trump said talks with Tehran were continuing and that Iran had become "more serious," expressing hope that the diplomatic track would prevent a wider military confrontation in the region. The U.S. president stressed the diplomatic path but emphasized that the United States had "big ammunition ready for a big hit" and urged Tehran to take American warnings seriously. Trump said his administration would either continue strikes that erode Iran's military capabilities or reach a deal through negotiations. Trump claimed Iran has lost a significant portion of its naval, radar and air defense systems, narrowing Tehran's options to surrender or retreat to underground facilities. The comments came as the Washington-Tehran tension entered its second week after the expiration of a ceasefire memorandum announced on June 18.