Trump Gives Iran a Choice... Between an Agreement or a "Much More Severe Level"

For the first time in about two weeks, U.S. forces did not announce new airstrikes against Iran, as directed by President Donald Trump, who also did not rule out launching “much more severe” strikes, amid reports that he discussed the possibility of a large-scale military operation as the conflict in the region expands.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, responding to a question about whether he had made a decision, “No, I have not made a decision yet.” He added, “We are talking to them now. I think they are showing greater seriousness day by day, and perhaps the reason is clear,” in reference to the daily strikes.

Politically, Iranian state television quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that Tehran would not accept a temporary ceasefire, emphasizing that the issue would not be raised unless Iran’s demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz were met. Meanwhile, both Pakistan and China are exploring new efforts to de-escalate tensions, while an Omani diplomatic delegation visits Tehran to discuss management of the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi noted that it was natural for there to be discussions with Pakistan regarding initiatives and proposals, given its role as a mediator, clarifying that the problem with Washington “is not the absence of a mediator, but the approach it is taking.”

In Kyrgyzstan, Araghchi met on Friday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who stated that “the door to negotiations should not be closed once it has been opened.”

In Jerusalem, Channel 12 reported a high state of alert in Israel, awaiting Trump’s decision on the future of the confrontation with Iran.