Trump warns Iran will be hit 'really hard' if nuclear negotiations collapse again

President Donald Trump renewed his warning to Iran on Tuesday, saying the U.S. could strike the country "really hard" if negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapse again. "If they back out again, they're going to get hit really hard," Trump told Fox News' Trace Gallagher. "They know that. They understand that. I have no choice. They can't have a nuclear weapon. It's very simple." Trump said military action remained an option if diplomacy fails. Earlier this week, Trump said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb Iran's nuclear program was "imminent." Iranian officials have denied holding direct talks with the United States, saying negotiations are taking place through mediators in Oman. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Iranian and Omani officials had made significant progress toward a potential agreement to reopen the strait, though negotiations remained ongoing. Trump described Tuesday's negotiations as "very good," despite Iran's repeated public denials that direct talks were underway. "They don't like to admit that, but, well, you know, it's a little bit disconcerting," he said. "It's just such a lie," Trump added.