Tensions Between the U.S. and Iran Escalate Amid Stalled Diplomacy
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have risen as diplomacy struggles and new drone attacks raise fears of war. President Donald Trump warned Iran to act quickly, threatening severe consequences if no progress is made toward ending the conflict.
On Truth Social, Trump stated Iran should “get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them.” His comments reflect frustration over stalled efforts to end the nearly three-month conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel. Negotiations addressing Iran’s nuclear program and restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have seen limited success.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei responded, noting Tehran is not intimidated and talks continue. He mentioned a response to a new U.S. proposal and conveyed Iran’s concerns to America.
Women held Iran’s national flags in an anti-U.S. and Israel protest in Tehran. – AFP via Getty Images
Trump’s warning coincided with discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli media reported. However, the White House did not confirm the call.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike ignited a fire at its Barakah nuclear plant. While no assailant was named, authorities labeled it an unprovoked terrorist attack. Despite the fire, the plant remains safe and operational.
The UAE frequently accuses Iran of attacks, including during ceasefire periods. The incident arrives as Tehran and Washington indicate readiness to resume fighting if no resolution occurs soon. Countries like Pakistan condemned the attack.
The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi’s western desert. – Arun Girija / Emirates News Agency via AP file
On Axios, Trump stated Iran faces harsher consequences without a better deal to suspend its nuclear program. While no specific negotiation deadline was given, he emphasized wanting a better offer than a recent proposal.
In Fortune magazine, Trump claimed Iran is eager for a deal but sends proposals disconnected from agreements. “Are you people crazy?” he questioned.
Senator Lindsey Graham advocated for stronger U.S. military action as the Strait of Hormuz’s prolonged closure strengthens Iran. The U.S. blockade has disrupted global energy and fertilizer supplies, causing market instability and rising oil prices.
The International Energy Agency’s Fatih Birol warned of depleting oil inventories expected to last only a few weeks.
Trump acknowledged the turmoil leaves him resigned to await desired interest rate cuts. “You can’t really look at the figures until the war is over,” he noted.
A ship remains anchored in the Strait of Hormuz. – Majid Saeedi / Getty Images
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s lack of enmity with regional countries, including the UAE. Tehran is monitoring developments closely and is ready to respond if Trump acts on his threat.
He stressed Iran’s commitment to its nuclear enrichment rights under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.