US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran are approaching their final phase, while cautioning Tehran about potential military action if a peace agreement is not secured. Nearly six weeks after halting Operation Epic Fury under a ceasefire, progress toward formally ending the conflict remains limited.
Trump disclosed that he recently came close to authorizing new strikes on Iran but chose to postpone military action to allow diplomacy additional time. “We’re in the final stages with Iran. Either we have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little nasty,” he told reporters, emphasizing his preference for a peaceful resolution to avoid further casualties.
Later, speaking to cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy, Trump reiterated that the United States could “hit them very hard” if necessary, reaffirming the commitment to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Iran accused the US president of preparing to reignite the conflict and warned that any renewed attacks would provoke retaliation extending beyond the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that new aggression against Iran would escalate the conflict beyond the region.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf suggested recent US actions signal preparations for additional strikes. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports as “piracy,” yet affirmed Tehran’s willingness to continue negotiations despite serious doubts about American intentions.
Pakistan has maintained a mediation role between the two nations. Iranian officials confirmed that communications between Washington and Tehran are ongoing through Pakistan’s interior minister, who visited Tehran on Wednesday.
Recently, Iran submitted a new proposal to the US, reportedly reiterating previous demands such as sanctions relief, compensation for war damages, release of frozen Iranian assets, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and arrangements concerning control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain elevated after Iran restricted access to most foreign vessels during the conflict, significantly disrupting global energy supplies. Tehran has indicated it may reopen the strategic waterway to friendly nations under certain conditions.
On Wednesday, two Chinese oil tankers carrying nearly four million barrels of crude passed through the strait after Iran eased restrictions on Chinese shipping. South Korea also confirmed that one of its tankers was transiting the route in coordination with Iranian authorities.
Oil markets responded positively to renewed diplomatic hopes, with Brent crude prices dropping nearly five percent on Wednesday.
Domestically, Trump faces increasing pressure to bring the conflict to a permanent end as soaring global oil prices continue to impact the US economy ahead of congressional elections later this year.
The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, launched earlier this year alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed to limit Tehran’s regional influence, dismantle its nuclear program, and weaken its missile capabilities. Despite months of conflict, Iran is still believed to possess substantial uranium stockpiles and maintain significant regional military influence.
