President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning declared “bully of the Middle East” Iran is “dead” and “will have to pay the price” for failing to reach a deal with the United States.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump blasted Tehran’s leadership, arguing the Islamic Republic has squandered an opportunity to negotiate favorable terms with Washington while suffering major military setbacks.

“Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess,” Trump wrote. “Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore — They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!!”

Trump added that Iran “will have to pay the price” for taking “too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them.”

The president’s remarks came amid mounting pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program and regional activities.

Trump has repeatedly insisted Iran must agree to a deal that permanently prevents it from obtaining a nuclear weapon while curbing its ability to threaten U.S. allies in the region.

Trump suggested he may be prepared to escalate pressure further if Iranian leaders continue delaying negotiations.

Citing a phone interview with another outlet, Reuters reported Trump said he could order new strikes targeting Iran’s power plants and bridges because Tehran is taking too long to make a deal.

The warning underscores Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric toward the regime, which has faced growing economic and military challenges in recent years.

Trump has argued that a tougher U.S. posture has weakened Iran’s ability to project power across the Middle East and support proxy groups throughout the region.

The administration has maintained that Iran’s leaders are responsible for the country’s deteriorating position by refusing to accept what Trump describes as reasonable terms for an agreement.

Trump’s latest comments also reflect his long-standing view that Iran responds only to strength.

During both his first and second terms, he has championed maximum-pressure policies, including sanctions and military deterrence, as the most effective way to force Tehran back to the negotiating table.

While Iranian officials have signaled interest in diplomacy at various points, talks have repeatedly stalled, with both sides accusing the other of delaying progress.

Trump indicated Wednesday that patience in Washington is running out.

“They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them,” he wrote. “Now they will have to pay the price.”