Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump warned Iran of "severe consequences" if it restarted its nuclear program, one day after he announced the US would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which has kept Tehran from developing its atomic program.

Asked what he would do if Iran restarted its program, Trump said: "I would advise Iran not to start their nuclear program."

"If they do, there will be very severe consequences," the President said Wednesday during a Cabinet meeting.

Trump announced Tuesday he is quitting the Iran nuclear deal, pitting him against the United States' closest allies and leaving the future of Tehran's nuclear ambitions in question.

"We will not allow American cities to be threatened with destruction," Trump said Tuesday from the White House Diplomatic Room, despite the fact that Iranian missiles cannot reach the US. "Today's action sends a critical message: The United States no longer makes empty threats."

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