Washington, DC [US]: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to cooperate in ending the war in Ukraine or face additional tariffs on Russian oil, according to CNN.
Trump’s Warning to Russia
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press”, Trump expressed his frustration over Putin’s stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and hinted at serious economic consequences for Russia.
“I was very angry — pissed off — when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility because that’s not going in the right location, you understand?” Trump stated.
He further threatened secondary tariffs on all Russian oil exports if Putin does not cooperate in peace negotiations.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump warned.
When asked if he planned to speak with Putin this week, Trump responded, “Yes, but only if Putin does the right thing.”
Tough Talk on Iran
Trump also issued a harsh warning to Iran, stating that if Tehran fails to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States, it could face severe consequences, including possible bombings and additional economic sanctions.
“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump said, sending a direct message to Iran’s leadership.
In response, Iran’s president rejected negotiations with the U.S., marking Tehran’s first reaction to a letter Trump had reportedly sent to the country’s Supreme Leader.
Trump also suggested reimposing economic sanctions similar to those enforced during his first term, stating:
“There’s a chance that if they don’t make a deal, I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago.”
During his presidency, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which had imposed strict limits on Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Impact on Global Politics
Trump’s remarks indicate a potentially aggressive foreign policy stance if he returns to office, with tough economic measures against Russia and Iran. His threats of tariffs on Russian oil and potential military action against Iran signal a high-stakes approach to international conflicts.
As tensions remain high in both Ukraine and the Middle East, Trump’s statements could have major geopolitical implications in the coming months.