US President Donald Trump has issued a warning that the United States will return to military action against Iran if ongoing diplomatic discussions do not yield quick results. In remarks to Axios on Monday, Trump stated that negotiations are progressing but emphasized time constraints, noting that either talks advance rapidly or not at all. He further indicated that Iran requested these discussions only because of sustained pressure from US military operations.
The Iranian government has publicly disputed Trump’s characterization of direct negotiations. A spokesperson from Tehran’s foreign ministry stated that while mediators may convey messages between the countries regarding regional developments, no formal negotiations are currently underway with the United States.
Diplomacy in the region is proceeding through separate channels. Oman and Iran have engaged in technical discussions focused on managing the Strait of Hormuz, with talks held in Tehran in recent days. The two nations have moved toward an agreement in principle but remain at odds over Iran’s insistence that vessels transiting the waterway pay tolls or fees to a consortium controlled by both countries. Oman has advocated for a voluntary contribution model similar to arrangements governing the Strait of Malacca, while Iran has proposed a fee structure based on vessel type and cargo volume.
US military operations have paused after nearly two weeks of strikes. According to reports, senior military officials, including the top US commander in the Middle East, recommended halting the bombing campaign due to limited remaining effectiveness, diminishing ammunition supplies, and concerns about Iranian retaliation targeting American positions in the region. The pause has been attributed to perceived diplomatic progress but has not been characterized as a formal ceasefire.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has declined sharply, with transits averaging approximately five vessels daily compared to roughly 130 before hostilities intensified. The dispute centers on competing interpretations of ceasefire terms regarding sea lane access and commerce.
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