Trump Signals Possible New U.S. Strike on Iran as Nuclear Talks Continue

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States could launch another military strike on Iran within days if negotiations fail, escalating tensions in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Speaking at the White House, Trump revealed he had been “an hour away” from authorizing a fresh attack before deciding to postpone the operation in hopes of reaching a diplomatic agreement with Tehran.

The comments came just one day after Trump stated that Washington had paused plans to resume military action following a new Iranian peace proposal aimed at ending the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Trump warned that Iran’s leadership was “begging for a deal” and insisted the U.S. would act again if Tehran refused to meet American demands regarding its nuclear program and regional influence.

The conflict, which began nearly three months ago, has intensified pressure on the Trump administration as global oil prices remain unstable and concerns grow over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments. Rising fuel prices and declining approval ratings ahead of the November congressional elections have increased domestic pressure on the White House to secure a peace agreement.

Vice President JD Vance attempted to ease concerns by saying Washington and Tehran had made “a lot of progress” in negotiations and neither side wanted a return to full-scale warfare. However, Vance acknowledged that Iran’s negotiating position remained unclear due to divisions within its leadership.

Iran responded by warning that any renewed American attack would trigger a “decisive military response.” Iranian officials also proposed conditions for peace, including sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the withdrawal of U.S. forces near Iran, and compensation for damages caused during recent attacks.

Despite the ceasefire largely holding since April, regional instability continues. Reports of drone attacks in Gulf countries and the seizure of an Iran-linked oil tanker by the United States have further heightened tensions across the Middle East in 2026.