Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ Iran’s centrifuges

President Donald Trump has issued a blunt warning to Iran, saying that the United States must destroy Tehran’s nuclear centrifuges if diplomacy does not succeed.

Trump outlined what he called the only two options available: “blow them up nicely or blow them up viciously,” in a phone interview with commentator Hugh Hewitt.

“I’d much rather make a deal, you know, really verified deal,” Trump said. “But the other — there are only two alternatives there. Blow them up nicely or blow them up viciously.”

The remarks come as efforts to revive nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain deadlocked.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and denies pursuing nuclear weapons.