Trump threatens ‘very strong’ strikes as ‘significant’ progress reported in Iran talks

US President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has paused military strikes against Iran to allow for renewed diplomatic efforts, citing “significant” progress in ongoing talks aimed at ending the war. However, he emphasized that the United States remains ready to launch “very strong” military action should the negotiations fail. This pause comes after a three-day lull in hostilities, during which neither the US nor Iran has carried out attacks, a rare respite following nearly two weeks of intense bombardment and rising fears of a full-scale war. Regional officials, speaking under anonymity, confirmed that mediators, led by Qatar and Pakistan, are actively working to bring the warring nations back to the negotiating table. These efforts follow the collapse of an interim ceasefire agreement and aim to restore a temporary halt to hostilities. A senior regional official described the progress as “significant,” noting that discussions are focusing on establishing a framework for managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for global oil shipments and a focal point of recent clashes. According to an unnamed official within the Trump administration, indirect negotiations are currently at a “serious stage,” with both sides having exchanged proposals but no formal agreements reached. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated that while mediators may relay messages from the American side, there are no direct negotiations taking place. This stance reflects Iran’s cautious approach to engaging in dialogue, particularly given the high stakes of the current crisis. The situation has drawn attention from other regional powers, notably Israel, which joined the US in launching initial strikes against Iran in late February. Israel has not participated in the current peace talks, and its involvement remains limited. Trump’s remarks coincided with his upcoming in-person meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, scheduled for Tuesday at the White House. Netanyahu, who departed from Nevatim Air Base in the Negev instead of Ben Gurion Airport, cited heightened security concerns. In a pre-flight video message, Netanyahu stated that Iran would be the central topic of discussion with Trump, emphasizing the need to protect Israel’s security while promoting broader regional stability. During a briefing with Axios, Trump reiterated his commitment to addressing the threat posed by Iran, stating, “If I weren’t president, Iran would have had nuclear weapons by no later than now.” His comments underscored the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential consequences of failing to reach a diplomatic resolution. Despite his willingness to pursue military options, Trump maintained that the US is still engaged in talks, albeit with uncertainty over their outcome. The US military has also intensified its operations, including targeting Iranian assets in response to perceived threats. On Friday, US forces struck multiple sites in Iran, with Trump vowing “major military punishment” for Tehran and its allies in Yemen. Separately, the US navy intercepted and disabled a tanker suspected of violating sanctions, underscoring the ongoing enforcement of economic pressure on Iran. These actions reflect a dual strategy of deterrence and coercion, aiming to compel Iran into meaningful negotiations.