Trump Weighs Renewed Negotiations or Escalation Against Iran Amid Regional Tensions

After two consecutive nights without U.S. strikes on Iran and ahead of the Trump-Netanyahu meeting in Washington on Tuesday, President Donald Trump remains undecided between pursuing a deal or expanding military action. Senior officials confirmed that in recent days Trump has leaned toward giving negotiations another chance, acknowledging the limits of his military power. Meanwhile, Iran is negotiating through Omani intermediaries over control and tolls of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate the U.S. faces constraints in missile defense, raising doubts about its readiness for a large-scale military operation. The Israeli Defense Forces maintain high alert across combat units, anticipating any sudden change in U.S. policy, though no significant strikes are expected in the near term. The White House claims recent U.S. attacks pressured Iran into sending conciliatory messages via mediators, prompting Washington to consider returning to talks.

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet before departing for the U.S. that Washington demands Israeli withdrawals on three fronts: Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. Netanyahu reportedly vowed to resist these demands firmly. Concurrently, an Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran will halt attacks as long as the U.S. does the same, and another source told Saudi Al-Hadath channel that Iran has only suspended, not abandoned, negotiations, emphasizing the need to resume talks from where they left off.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated that Trump is "giving talks with Iran space." The New York Times reported Trump has frozen plans for significant escalation after military and administration briefings highlighted potential risks, including a shortage of Patriot missile interceptors. Due to rising tensions, a government meeting on Iran was moved last minute to a secure facility. Vice President J.D. Vance and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Cain expressed concerns about escalating strikes during recent weekend meetings.