News Brief
Kuldeep Negi
Mar 31, 2025, 09:43 AM | Updated 09:43 AM IST
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Iran is not backing down after US President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb the country and has readied its underground missile systems to target "US-related positions" if provoked, according to the state-controlled Tehran Times.
Trump on Sunday (30 March) stated that bombing Iran is an option if Tehran refuses to accept a nuclear deal.
After Trump’s warning, the Tehran Times reported that Iran has placed its missiles in ready-to-launch mode within underground facilities across the country, designed to withstand airstrikes.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated, "If they don’t make a deal, there will be a bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before."
He further warned that he would slap Iran with "secondary tariffs."
As pressure mounted in Washington to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran ruled out direct talks with the US but left the door open for indirect negotiations.
Responding in a televised address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far,” adding, “They must prove that they can build trust.”
Following Iran’s remarks, Washington reiterated its stance that Iran must not be allowed to continue its nuclear programme or “acquire a nuclear weapon.”
Echoing Trump’s position, the US State Department warned of “bad” consequences for Iran should it reject the proposed deal.
While speaking to reporters aboard his flight from Florida to Washington, Trump said he wanted Iran to come to the negotiating table but warned that without talks, “it’s going to be a bad situation.”
Amid threats from US, Iran had recently released a video of its underground missile facility.
Known as "missile city" by Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), the 85-second clip showcased Iran's advanced weaponry and its troops stepping on an Israeli flag painted on the ground.
Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.