President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the United States is prepared to resume “strong military action” against Iran if diplomatic discussions fail, even as he voiced optimism that the effort stands a good chance of ending the war.
Trump claimed that Iranian officials requested a meeting after American forces “hit them very hard” in recent strikes. The comments followed a third consecutive day without military strikes between the U.S. and Iran.
Iranian officials denied that any direct negotiations with Washington are taking place, stating instead that Tehran is only receiving messages from the U.S. through third-party mediators.
The paused military operations come amid expanding regional tensions related to the conflict. Iran threatened retaliation against Ukraine after accusing Kyiv of carrying out a missile strike on an oil tanker in the Caspian Sea.
Energy analysts also cautioned Tuesday that the war is creating broader global supply risks. Lower overall production and declining fuel reserves linked to the conflict could leave Europe facing a potential natural gas shortage this coming winter.
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