President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying the “clock is ticking” and that the country will face much more severe U.S. military strikes if it does not offer better terms for a deal to end the conflict.
In a phone interview with Axios, Trump made it clear that he still prefers a diplomatic agreement but is running out of patience. “We want to make a deal,” he said. “They are not where we want them to be. They will have to get there or they will be hit badly, and they don’t want that.” He added that if Iran does not improve its latest proposal, the U.S. will strike “much harder than before,” warning, “The clock is ticking. They better get moving fast or they are not gonna have anything left.”
Why the urgency matters
U.S. officials say Trump wants to end the war through negotiations, but Iran has rejected several key American demands and has not made serious concessions on its nuclear program. This has brought the possibility of stronger military action back into focus.
Trump is scheduled to meet with his top national security advisers in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday to review military options, according to two U.S. officials. On Saturday, he held a meeting with members of his national security team at his Virginia golf club. Attendees included Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
On Sunday, Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation with Iran.
Mediation efforts continue
Pakistan is acting as the official mediator between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s interior minister traveled to Tehran over the weekend for talks with senior Iranian officials. Qatar is also helping mediate. On Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke with both his Pakistani counterpart and Iran’s foreign minister.
Trump told Axios he believes Iran still wants a deal and is waiting for an improved proposal from Tehran. He did not set a specific deadline for the talks.
Recent escalation in the Gulf
Tensions rose further on Sunday when a drone struck the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear power plant. The attack damaged an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, according to the UAE defense ministry. Two other drones that entered UAE airspace were intercepted.
The UAE said there was no impact on radiological safety at the plant. While officials have not directly blamed Iran, diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash strongly suggested Tehran or its proxies were responsible. He called the strike “a dangerous escalation” that “violates all international laws and norms” and shows “criminal disregard for the lives of civilians.”
The incident comes amid broader tensions over Gulf shipping routes and diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
As the situation develops, the coming days will be critical in determining whether negotiations move forward or if the U.S. follows through on its warnings of stronger military action.