U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to come to the negotiating table, warning that failure to do so could result in “even harsher” military action.

His comments came in the aftermath of a deadly Israeli assault on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Trump appeared to strike a cautious tone, walking a fine line just a day after publicly advising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching an attack on Iran.

Despite his appeal, Israel proceeded with the operation.

The strike reportedly claimed the lives of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including the head of the armed forces and prominent nuclear scientists.

Tehran has since labeled the attacks a direct "act of war" by Israel.

Posting on his Truth Social account, President Trump warned that while significant loss and devastation had already occurred, there was still an opportunity to stop the violence through upcoming strikes, he cautioned, would be even more devastating.

“There’s been tremendous destruction already, but it’s not too late to stop this bloodshed. The next wave of attacks will be far more severe,” Trump wrote. “Iran needs to make a deal now before there’s nothing left. JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.”

Trump noted that he had offered Iran multiple chances to negotiate, which were not taken. He also emphasized the military capabilities of Israel, an ally he has strongly backed since returning to office, stating that Israel is well-armed thanks to U.S. support and "knows how to use its weapons."

At the time of his remarks, Trump was attending a National Security Council briefing in the White House Situation Room.

However, Trump later seemed to be weighing the political implications of Israel’s offensive, carefully considering how best to position his response amid the escalating tensions.

Just hours before the strike, Trump had urged Israel to delay any military action to allow space for diplomatic efforts.

However, while the president was hosting a congressional picnic at the White House, the U.S. ally proceeded with a full-scale assault on Iran.

By Friday morning, Trump had shifted his tone, praising the Israeli operation during calls with American media outlets. "I think it's been excellent," he told ABC News, adding, "And there's more to come. A lot more."

Trump also sent conflicting messages regarding the level of U.S. involvement in the Israeli strikes.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that the United States had "no role" in the attacks, he issued a stern warning to Tehran, cautioning against any retaliation targeting American forces stationed in the region.

On Friday, Trump suggested a different narrative, posting on Truth Social that Israel’s strikes came after a 60-day deadline he had set for Iran had expired, a statement that implied coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv, despite official claims of non-involvement.

Trump’s remarks further blurred the picture of U.S. involvement, as he boasted that Israel had used the “finest” American-made military equipment, comments made just a day before a grand military parade in Washington marking his 79th birthday, which showcased U.S. aircraft and tanks.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed he had been informed of Israel’s plans before the strikes took place, reiterating his firm stance that Iran “cannot have a nuclear bomb.”

Despite the tough talk, Trump left the door open for renewed talks, telling NBC that while Iran had missed an earlier chance to reach a deal, “they may have another opportunity. We’ll see.”

He also claimed that Iranian officials had reached out to initiate communication after the attacks, hinting at a possible willingness to return to the negotiating table, though he did not provide any details.

During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a key international nuclear agreement that had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.

While indirect talks between the two nations resumed after his return to office, early signs of progress have recently given way to stalled diplomacy.