Trump Considers Renewed Strikes on Iran Amid Stalled Negotiations

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States might need to strike Iran again, revealing he was "an hour away" from ordering an attack before postponing it. He emphasized that Iran's leaders are seeking a deal, but warned that a new U.S. attack could occur in the coming days if no agreement is reached.

The United States has been striving to conclude the conflict initiated with Israel nearly three months ago. Trump previously indicated that a deal with Tehran was imminent and has threatened significant strikes if an accord is not achieved.

Domestic political pressure mounts on Trump to secure an agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies. Gas prices remain elevated, and Trump's approval rating has declined as congressional elections approach in November.

Oil prices settled lower on Tuesday after Vice President JD Vance noted progress in talks between Washington and Tehran, stating that neither side desires a resumption of military action. He acknowledged challenges in negotiating with Iran's fragmented leadership and highlighted the U.S. objective to prevent a regional nuclear arms race.

In Tehran, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, suggested that the pause in the U.S. attack was due to Trump's realization that any move against Iran would prompt a decisive military response. Iranian state media reported that Tehran's latest peace proposal includes ending hostilities on all fronts, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran, and reparations for damage caused by U.S.-Israeli attacks. Additionally, Iran seeks the lifting of sanctions, release of frozen funds, and an end to the U.S. maritime blockade.

A Pakistani source indicated that Islamabad, which has facilitated communication between the parties, shared Iran's proposal with Washington. The source noted that both sides "keep changing their goalposts" and emphasized the urgency of the situation.

The ceasefire has largely held, though recent drone launches from Iraq toward Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have been attributed to Iran and its allies. The U.S. reportedly seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean overnight, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the conflict to curb Iran's support for regional militias, dismantle its nuclear program, and destroy its missile capabilities. However, the war has yet to eliminate Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium or its ability to threaten neighbors with missiles, drones, and proxy militias.