Asger Risom
President Donald Trump warned Iran that “the clock is ticking” to reach a new agreement with Washington, as US officials reportedly prepare military options and tensions across the Gulf continue escalating.
President Donald Trump warned Iran that time is running out to reach a new agreement with Washington, saying the US is prepared to launch significantly harder strikes if Tehran refuses to make concessions on its nuclear program.
The warning comes as oil prices rise, regional tensions deepen and US officials reportedly prepare for renewed discussions over possible military action against Iran.
Diplomacy under pressure
In a phone call with Axios, Trump said Iran must quickly present a stronger proposal if it wants to avoid escalation.
“We want to make a deal,” Trump told the outlet. “They will have to get there, or they will be hit badly.”
He added that the US would strike Iran “much harder than before” if negotiations continue to stall.
“The clock is ticking,” Trump said. “They better get moving fast or they are not gonna have anything left.”
According to Axios, Trump is expected to convene senior national security officials in the Situation Room to discuss military options as frustration grows inside the administration over the lack of progress in talks with Tehran.
Military pressure builds
US officials told Axios that Trump still prefers reaching a negotiated settlement, but Iran’s refusal to accept several key demands has pushed military action back into active consideration.
Trump reportedly spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday about the situation, while senior administration officials gathered over the weekend for additional strategy discussions.
Participants reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
At the same time, diplomatic mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar remain ongoing.
Pakistan has emerged as a formal intermediary between Washington and Tehran, with senior Pakistani officials reportedly holding meetings with Iranian leadership over the weekend.
Oil markets react
Global oil markets reacted quickly to signs that negotiations may be deteriorating.
Brent crude rose more than 2% in early trading, climbing above $111 per barrel amid fears of wider instability tied to Gulf shipping routes and energy infrastructure.
The latest tensions also follow a reported drone strike targeting the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant.
According to Emirati officials, one drone damaged an electrical generator outside the facility’s inner perimeter while two additional drones were intercepted.
Authorities said there was no radiological risk or damage to reactor systems.
A new regional phase
While the UAE has not formally blamed Iran for the attack, senior Emirati officials strongly suggested Tehran or one of its regional proxies may have been involved.
The incident highlights how drone warfare and attacks on strategic infrastructure are increasingly becoming central features of the broader regional confrontation.
For Washington, the immediate concern is no longer solely Iran’s nuclear program itself, but the growing possibility that failed diplomacy could trigger a wider escalation across the Gulf.
The combination of rising oil prices, attacks on critical infrastructure and stalled negotiations is now placing renewed pressure on all sides as military options return to the forefront.
Sources: Axios
