US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering fresh military strikes on Iran as fragile ceasefire negotiations enter a critical phase.
According to multiple international media reports, the discussions come amid mounting pressure on Washington and Tehran to reach a broader agreement over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security concerns.
Trump has been consulting senior advisers and reviewing possible military responses if ongoing negotiations fail to produce what the US administration considers a satisfactory deal. The talks, mediated in part by Pakistan and Gulf nations, are aimed at extending the current ceasefire and preventing a return to open hostilities in the region.
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A major announcement regarding the US/Iran conflict is imminent. Trump has reportedly summoned his entire national security team to the White House. Likely one of two scenarios: A peace deal (or at least a strong framework for one) or a return to military strikes by the US due to… pic.twitter.com/IZ9e2uiSUk
— Jaco Kleynhans (@JacoKleynhans) May 23, 2026
A ceasefire held together with rather fine thread
Trump has been consulting senior advisers and reviewing possible military responses if ongoing negotiations fail to produce what the US administration considers a satisfactory deal.
The talks, mediated in part by Pakistan and Gulf nations, are aimed at extending the current ceasefire and preventing a return to open hostilities in the region.
Sabres remain polished
Trump indicated in recent media interviews that negotiators were “getting closer” to an agreement but warned that military action remained an option if diplomacy collapsed.
Reuters reported that Trump said he could decide within days whether to resume strikes, depending on the outcome of discussions with advisers and negotiators.
NEW: U.S., Iran close to a deal to end war, official sayshttps://t.co/iz5DHkHRJr
— Axios (@axios) May 23, 2026
The Gulf grows uneasy
The talks come after months of increased hostilities between the US, Iran, and Israel, including military encounters in and near the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the present diplomatic effort is focused on a framework that would prolong the ceasefire while creating a new opportunity for more extensive talks about Iran's uranium enrichment operations, sanctions relief, and maritime security.
Washington is demanding tighter restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and guarantees over regional shipping routes, while Tehran has insisted on sanctions relief and recognition of its right to civilian nuclear activity.
Iranian officials have also warned that any renewed attack could trigger retaliation across the region.
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Not everyone fancies patience
The Wall Street Journal reported that mediators from Pakistan and Qatar are attempting to secure an interim understanding to avoid immediate escalation. The proposed arrangement is expected to outline goals for future negotiations while temporarily preserving the ceasefire.
Reportedly there are divisions between Washington and Israel over the diplomatic approach. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly expressed doubts about Iran’s willingness to curb its nuclear ambitions, while Trump has publicly argued that diplomacy should be given more time before further military action is considered.
