President Trump told the New York Times that if Iran fails to reach a final nuclear deal, he will either resume military strikes against Tehran or turn the US into the 'overseer of the Middle East' in exchange for 20% of the region's revenue, according to Asaf Rozentsvaig (N12).
In a new escalation of his public ultimatums, President Donald Trump signaled to the New York Times that time is running out for diplomacy with Iran. The president laid out two stark alternatives to a final nuclear agreement: a renewed campaign of military strikes, or a dramatic restructuring of US regional posture under which Washington would become the 'overseer of the Middle East' in return for taking 20% of the region's revenue. As The Zioneer has reported over the past week, Trump has been oscillating between threats of massive strikes — 'wipe out an entire nation's infrastructure' — and proposals for a cash-for-uranium deal. This latest interview introduces a third, quasi-colonial economic dimension. The statement was reported by Amit Segal's N12 colleague Asaf Rozentsvaig. It remains unclear whether the '20% of regional revenue' refers to oil and gas income, transit fees, or a broader resource levy; Trump did not elaborate. The ultimatum comes amid ongoing but inconclusive negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with IRGC commanders previously demanding upfront cash payment as a precondition for any deal.
2 developments
- ConfirmedNetanyahu: Iran nuclear deal may be signed in Switzerland as soon as Sunday
- DevelopingTrump tells NYT he may accept 15-year enrichment suspension from Iran; low-level cap permanent
- StrongTrump says Iran will halt fire on Israel for at least a week, warns of 'wipe out' if talks fail
- DevelopingTrump gives Iran 60-day deadline to reach nuclear deal
Source and signal
- Internal intake