US Threatens Renewed War as Iran Deal Remains Elusive

The United States has warned it is “more than capable” of resuming military action against Iran as efforts to secure a peace deal remain unresolved amid escalating tensions and ongoing regional conflict.

US President Donald Trump insisted that any agreement must include strict conditions, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and reopening key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington retains the capacity to restart military operations if necessary, adding that US stockpiles and global force posture make renewed engagement possible.

The White House said Trump would only accept a deal that meets his “red lines,” while confirming that discussions had reached an advanced stage but no final agreement had been signed following high-level meetings at the White House Situation Room.

Iranian officials rejected key US conditions, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stating that Tehran would not accept imposed terms, while also confirming that diplomatic exchanges were still ongoing without a final agreement.

Reports indicate that mediation efforts involving Pakistan had been complicated by recent US strikes on Iranian territory and retaliatory responses, even as parallel negotiations involving Lebanon continued separately.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains open to a “dignified framework” for ending hostilities, though disagreements persist over frozen assets, uranium handling, and maritime access conditions.

Meanwhile, fighting continues in Lebanon between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, with both sides reporting ongoing military operations despite a supposed ceasefire agreement that has yet to hold.