President Donald Trump is back from China with a very clear message to the Iranian regime.
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/33gyF0c0O5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 17, 2026
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
Before Trump left for China, it was clear that his patience with the Iranian regime was wearing thin. So if they didn't get it before, they should listen now. It's time to fish or cut bait, and if they do not, they're going to have a very unfortunate 'find out" moment.
The Iranian regime still appears to be misbehaving, as they're believed to be behind a serious drone strike on a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
🚨 JUST IN: IRAN IS OFFICIALLY ON TRUMP FAFO TIME
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 17, 2026
TRUMP: "For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!"
47's patience is just about done.
He's back from China now, he could UNLEASH
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/CWkO1mTb3b
The strike caused a fire in a generator on the outskirts of the facility, according to Fox News' Trey Yingst:
Officials say that a drone attack against a nuclear power plant caused a fire at a generator on the outskirts of the facility. This is a significant attack, and likely conducted by the Iranian regime.
President Trump said that the last response that he received from the regime on negotiating a deal was "unacceptable." Trump has been trying to get the regime to turn over their highly enriched uranium, but they demand that the blockade officially end the blockade before it does so, and that's a non-starter. You don't let up on the pressure until they show that they're serious.
READ MORE: Here's Iran's Reported Response on Deal, and Trump's Reply Is Blunt
Trump Gets Big Wins in China on Iran, Trade
At this point, the regime doesn't seem capable of coming across with any form of a deal that is acceptable. They think they can keep playing games and keep hitting their neighbors while posturing about "peace."
Trump can continue to squeeze them with the blockade, which has been seriously damaging them and hurting their economy, which was already in trouble. But he can also start strategically hitting targets that the regime is not going to be happy about. He can also restart Project Freedom, which would end one of the only powers the regime has been trying to assert. That would help free ships, could further settle the oil market, and help bring down oil prices. He can also go for the big target and get the uranium, or take out more leaders. So he has a variety of options.
READ MORE: Trump's New Statement on Iran's Nuclear Material Is Going to Freak Them Out
Iranian Ships Try to Run US Blockade in Gulf of Oman, Find Out That Is a Bad Idea
I suspect we'll find out soon. If the regime has a final offer that is more than just warmed-over nonsense, they'd better get it out quickly. Because it sounds like the time is up, and "find out" time is here. They really don't want to test the power of the U.S. military; that would not be a wise bet to make.
Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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