WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said negotiations with Iran were in their “final stages,” while warning Tehran of further military action if a peace agreement is not reached.
Trump Warns of ‘Nasty’ Options
Nearly six weeks after Trump paused Operation Epic Fury under a ceasefire arrangement, efforts to formally end the conflict have made little progress. Trump revealed he had recently come close to authorizing fresh strikes on Iran but decided to delay military action to allow diplomacy more 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,” Trump told reporters, adding that he preferred a peaceful resolution over more casualties. Addressing cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy, Trump repeated that Washington could “hit them very hard” if needed, while reiterating that the US would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Iran Warns of Wider Conflict
Iran accused Trump of preparing to restart the war and warned that any renewed attacks would trigger retaliation beyond the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said any new aggression against Iran would expand the conflict outside the region. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf claimed recent American actions indicated preparations for further strikes.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
Pakistan has continued playing a mediation role between the two sides. Iranian officials confirmed that messages between Washington and Tehran were still being exchanged through Pakistan’s interior minister, who visited Tehran on Wednesday. Iran recently submitted a new proposal to the US, reportedly repeating earlier demands including sanctions relief, compensation for war damages, the release of frozen Iranian assets, withdrawal of US forces from the region, and control-related arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Markets React
Oil markets reacted positively to renewed hopes for diplomacy, with Brent crude prices falling nearly five percent 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 one of its tankers was crossing the route in coordination with Iranian authorities. Trump is facing growing domestic pressure to permanently end the conflict as high global oil prices continue affecting the US economy ahead of congressional elections.
