The latest
President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric toward Iran, saying he is “close” to authorizing new military strikes that could target key infrastructure, including power stations and bridges, if Tehran continues what he described as delays in negotiations.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump accused Iran of failing to negotiate seriously and suggested that additional military options remain under consideration.
Tehran responded quickly. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that “every hostile act will be met with a direct and decisive response,” signaling that any new attack on Iran would trigger immediate retaliation.
The exchange of threats comes as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Reuters reported, citing an informed source, that a Qatari mediation delegation arrived in Tehran as part of a push to finalize an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
At the same time, Trump intensified his criticism on Truth Social, claiming that “the Iranian military is in chaos” and that Iran “talks a lot and does nothing,” adding that Tehran “will pay the price.”
Details
• Trump suggested that Iranian infrastructure could become a target if negotiations stall.
• Ghalibaf warned that any new attack would prompt a direct and forceful response.
• A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran to advance mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
• The diplomatic push continues amid unresolved disputes over sanctions and the terms of a potential nuclear agreement.
What to watch
The key question is whether Qatari mediation can help contain tensions and move the talks toward a deal, or whether the increasingly sharp rhetoric on both sides will push the standoff toward a broader military confrontation.
