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United States (US) President Donald Trump has threatened to launch more strikes on Iran, even as Washington continues efforts to secure a fragile peace deal.
Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he had been “an hour away” from ordering renewed attacks before pausing the operation in favour of ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28.
“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 said, adding that military action remained an option if talks fail.
“I hope we don’t have to do the war, but we may have to give them another big hit. I’m not sure yet.”
Iran rejected Trump’s framing of the situation, with officials arguing that Tehran has retained significant leverage, particularly through its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route that has driven up energy prices.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that the country would “open new fronts against” the United States if attacks resume, adding that Iranian forces had used the ceasefire period to strengthen their capabilities.
Trump said he had set a short deadline for progress in negotiations, suggesting a decision could come within days.
“I’m saying two or three days, maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, something, maybe early next week,” he said.
JD Vance also said the US remained “locked and loaded” while expressing cautious optimism that diplomacy could still succeed.
Iran’s foreign ministry said it had responded to the latest US proposal, which Iranian media described as “excessive” and lacking meaningful concessions.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise, with reports of drone activity and strikes linked to wider proxy conflicts across the Middle East, including in Iraq and the Gulf region.
