US President Donald Trump has hinted that Washington may need to give Iran “another big hit”, despite them “begging to make a deal”.

“We have to make sure that Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon,” Trump tells reporters at the construction site for the new White House ballroom.

“We’re negotiating with Iran … you know how it is to negotiate with a country where you’re beating them badly, they come to the table, they’re begging to make a deal,” he adds. “I hope we don’t have to do the work, but we may have to give them another big hit. I’m not sure yet, but you’ll know very soon.”