President Trump on Thursday called on Iran "to get serious soon" in negotiations with the U.S. "before it is too late." The warning comes as Trump's five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure expires Saturday. The Trump administration has asked Iran through mediators Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey to hold high-level meetings this week to discuss ending the current war.
Iranian state media reported Wednesday that Tehran rejected Trump's 15-point plan to end the war. A senior Iranian official called the U.S. terms "excessive" and described the negotiations as "a ploy," saying the war would only end "on Tehran's own terms and timeline." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Iran is not directly negotiating with the U.S. and that messages are being delivered through third countries.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt played down Iran's public posturing and said talks remain "productive." However, Trump criticized Iranian negotiators on Truth Social, claiming they are "begging us to make a deal" after being "militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback." The Pentagon is reportedly developing military options for a "final blow" in Iran that could include ground forces and a massive bombing campaign.
A dramatic military escalation will grow more likely if no progress is made in diplomatic talks, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Some U.S. officials believe a crushing show of force could create more leverage in peace talks or allow Trump to declare victory. The outcome of this weekend's diplomatic deadline could determine whether the conflict escalates or moves toward resolution.