US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran to engage in serious negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, warning that time is running out. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Iranian negotiators as 'very different and strange,' claiming they are 'begging' for a deal while publicly rejecting US proposals. 'They better get serious soon, before it is too late... there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!' he wrote. Trump also criticized NATO allies for not assisting with Iran, stating they have 'done absolutely nothing.'
Meanwhile, Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas transit route. Reports indicate Tehran is operating the passage as a controlled corridor, restricting vessels deemed hostile while allowing limited traffic under strict conditions. Gulf officials have accused Iran of charging fees for safe passage, with some ships reportedly paying in Chinese yuan.
Israel has intensified its military campaign, with defense officials confirming the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, the Revolutionary Guard naval commander linked to operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not formally confirmed his death. Air raid sirens have continued to sound across Israeli cities, and missile interceptions in the Gulf have caused casualties, including in Abu Dhabi. The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the region.
Trump has privately expressed a desire to end the war within weeks, citing distractions from other priorities such as midterm elections and legislation. However, ending the conflict is not solely up to Trump, as Israel could continue its operations independently. Negotiations between Washington and Tehran do not appear to be progressing, with Iran rejecting direct talks with the Trump administration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied claims of negotiations, stating that messages exchanged through intermediaries do not constitute dialogue. He emphasized Iran's policy of resistance and defense, rejecting Trump's assertion that Iran is seeking a deal. Araghchi demanded war reparations and recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
The economic and humanitarian toll of the war has mounted, with fuel shortages spreading worldwide. Companies and countries are scrambling to contain the fallout. Trump has declared victory over Iran's nuclear threat, stating that the US and Israel have 'cut out the cancer' of Iran's nuclear program. However, the conflict continues, with Iran launching strikes against Israel, US bases, and Gulf states.
The White House has presented a 15-point plan to end the war, which includes Iran turning over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and accepting limits on its missile program. Iran has rejected this plan and presented a five-point proposal of its own, including the payment of war reparations. The path to a negotiated de-escalation remains uncertain, with both sides presenting maximalist demands.