President Donald Trump said the United States would "finish the work" if Iran does not accept U.S. terms for a nuclear agreement [1].
This warning signals a potential escalation in diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. The threat suggests that the U.S. may move toward more aggressive measures if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and the broader conflict do not meet American requirements.
Speaking to reporters during a White House cabinet meeting, Trump addressed the current state of negotiations. He said that Iran is very committed and wants to close a deal, but said that the U.S. is not satisfied with the progress made thus far [1].
Trump said that the U.S. will either reach a satisfactory agreement or will be forced to "finish the work" [1]. The president said that this action would be taken if Tehran does not accept U.S. terms for an agreement that leads to the end of the war, and the termination of the Iranian nuclear program [2].
Reports on the timing of these remarks vary. CNN Brasil reported the comments were made on Wednesday, May 27, 2024 [1]. However, MSN reported the statements occurred on Tuesday, May 12, 2024 [2].
Trump said that he personally would "finish the work" should the terms be rejected [2]. The administration continues to push for a deal that ensures the complete end of the nuclear program as a prerequisite for peace.
“"Ou ficaremos, ou teremos que terminar o trabalho."”
The use of the phrase 'finish the work' introduces significant ambiguity regarding whether the U.S. intends to employ economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, or military intervention. By tying the end of the war directly to the total dismantling of the nuclear program, the administration is setting a high bar for diplomacy that may leave little room for the incremental compromises typically found in international nuclear treaties.
