US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could launch fresh military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail, despite expressing hope for a peace agreement between the two countries.
Read More: Trump says US may attack Iran again but that Tehran wants deal
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had delayed a major military assault on Iran at the last moment because negotiations were continuing. He claimed Tehran was seeking a deal after suffering heavy losses during months of conflict that began earlier this year.
#NSTworld President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the United States may strike Iran again – a day after he said he had held off a major assault in hopes of a peace deal – but Teheran’s army threatened to open “new fronts” if he went ahead. https://t.co/u8o0DFcTzs pic.twitter.com/64TI4amFTE
— New Straits Times (@NST_Online) May 19, 2026
Trump stated that the United States could decide within days whether to resume attacks, adding that the military remained prepared for a large-scale operation if diplomacy collapsed. He also said Gulf leaders had encouraged him to give negotiations more time before taking military action.
In response, Iran’s army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that Tehran would open “new fronts” against the United States if attacks resumed. He said Iran had used the ceasefire period to strengthen its military capabilities.
The tensions come despite mediation efforts led by Pakistan aimed at restarting formal talks between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials confirmed that messages had been exchanged through Pakistani mediators and reiterated demands for the release of frozen Iranian assets and the lifting of sanctions.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said an investigation found that drones used in a recent attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant originated from Iraqi territory. Emirati officials suggested Iran or groups linked to Tehran could be responsible.
Read More: US President Hints at Renewed Strikes on Iran Conflict
Iranian media reported that recent US proposals included restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities and conditions tied to future peace negotiations. However, Tehran described the proposals as excessive, while insisting on sanctions relief and compensation for war-related damages before agreeing to any final settlement.