‘The Military is Raring to Go’: Trump Warns of Bombing Iran as Ceasefire Nears Expiry, Pushes for Deal

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sharply escalated his rhetoric against Iran, signalling that the United States is prepared to launch a massive military offensive if a comprehensive diplomatic breakthrough is not achieved before the current ceasefire expires.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box", Trump indicated that the window for negotiations is closing rapidly, leaving Tehran with a stark choice.

"The military is raring to go," Trump stated, emphasising that US forces in the region are in a state of high readiness.

"If we don't have a deal that protects our interests and the world, we are going to bomb. It's that simple. I expect to be bombing because I think that's a better attitude to go in with," he said during the phone interview.

"But we're ready to go. I mean, the military is raring to go. They are absolutely incredible," he added, as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday evening.

Why did Trump say US strikes on Iran would have far-reaching consequences?

Referring to potential targets, Trump said strikes could have far-reaching consequences.

"It's not my choice, but it will also hurt them. It will hurt them militarily. They use the bridges for their weapons, for their missile movements," he said, adding that both sides had used the ceasefire period to "restock".

Trump also made it clear that he is not inclined to extend the ceasefire beyond its April 22 deadline.

At the same time, the US President said Iran had an incentive to reach an agreement, while criticising its leadership.

"If [Iran makes] a deal, they can make themselves into a strong nation again, a wonderful nation again," he said, describing the Iranian people as "incredible" but their leadership as "bloodthirsty" and "tough".

Why did Trump urge Iran to release eight women ahead of negotiations?

Trump urged the Iranian leadership to release eight women reportedly facing execution, framing the gesture as a necessary foundation for upcoming negotiations.

In a post on Truth Social, he shared a screenshot from social media activist Eyal Yakoby alleging that eight women were at imminent risk of being hanged.

Directing his message to Tehran, Trump wrote, "To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women.”

“I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the US President added.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the ceasefire brokered on April 8 remaining fragile.

Why are US-Iran talks in Islamabad facing uncertainty over Iran’s participation?

Diplomatic efforts are now focused on Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, where another round of talks is expected to take place. However, uncertainty continues over Iran's participation.

According to Iran's state broadcaster, no Iranian diplomatic delegation has travelled to Islamabad so far.

"No Iranian diplomatic delegation - be it a primary or secondary team, or an initial or follow-up mission - has travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan so far," the broadcaster said in a statement.

Despite Tehran's public stance, reports citing a senior Pakistani source suggest that delegations from both the US and Iran are expected to arrive in Islamabad simultaneously, indicating a potential breakthrough.

Sources in the Pakistani capital say preparations are underway for high-level engagement, including security and logistics arrangements.

Has Iran authorised a delegation for US-Iran talks in Islamabad?

Additional reports indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has authorised a negotiating team to travel to Islamabad, signalling a possible shift towards de-escalation, though this has not been officially confirmed by Tehran.

The proposed talks are expected to address a "10-point plan" covering key issues such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and a permanent settlement to the ongoing 2026 conflict.

Even as diplomatic channels remain active, rhetoric on both sides continues to be sharp.

Trump has warned of "lots of bombs" if the ceasefire expires without an agreement, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has insisted that Iran will not negotiate under the "shadow of threat".

With the ceasefire deadline approaching, global attention remains fixed on Islamabad, where the outcome of the expected talks could determine whether the situation moves towards de-escalation or a broader conflict.

The release of the eight women, if granted, could mark the first humanitarian breakthrough in the standoff.

(With inputs from ANI)