U.S. Considers Renewed Military Action Amid Stalled Iran Negotiations

The Trump administration is preparing for potential military strikes against Iran, according to sources familiar with the planning, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the nearly three-month conflict remain stalled. No final decision has been made regarding the strikes.

President Trump cited "circumstances pertaining to Government" for his absence from his son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding this weekend, indicating a return to the White House instead of his planned Memorial Day weekend at his New Jersey golf property. Some U.S. military and intelligence personnel have canceled their Memorial Day plans in anticipation of possible military action.

Defense and intelligence officials are updating recall rosters for overseas installations as troops in the Middle East rotate out, aiming to reduce the American military presence amid concerns over potential Iranian retaliation.

The U.S. and Iran have largely refrained from direct conflict since a temporary ceasefire began in early April, allowing time for indirect negotiations on a longer-term agreement. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized President Trump's firm stance:

"The President always maintains all options at all times, and it is the job of the Pentagon to be ready to execute any decision the Commander-in-Chief could make. The President has been clear about the consequences if Iran fails to make a deal."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any further U.S. or Israeli strikes could expand the conflict beyond the Middle East, promising "crushing blows ... in places you cannot even imagine."

Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal to end the conflict, transmitted on Wednesday, accompanied by a warning that rejecting this final offer could lead to resumed military strikes. President Trump stated,

"Iran is dying to make a deal. We'll see what happens."

He indicated a willingness to give Tehran "a couple of days" to respond, noting his team's impression of Iran's negotiators but emphasizing the need for substantial assurances to prevent renewed conflict.

A response is expected imminently via Pakistan, which has been acting as an intermediary. Before departing for India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the U.S. anticipates receiving a response through the Pakistani field marshal, who has been the primary conduit for communication with Iran. Rubio noted limited progress in the talks but acknowledged more work is needed.

In Washington, House Republicans abandoned an effort to limit President Trump's authority to conduct military operations against Iran after determining they lacked sufficient votes to advance the resolution.