Washington DC, April 21 -- Escalating his rhetoric to a fever pitch, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday signalled that the United States is prepared to launch a massive military offensive against Iran if a comprehensive diplomatic breakthrough is not achieved before the current ceasefire expires.

Speaking with characteristic bluntness, in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk Box", the President made it clear that the grace period for negotiations has reached its limit, leaving the Iranian leadership with a stark choice between a historic settlement or devastating kinetic action.

"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 ou...