US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is prepared to resume military operations against Iran if a deal is not reached before the current ceasefire expires. Speaking to media outlets, Trump said the US military has used the truce period to replenish its arsenal and is “ready to go” at short notice.
“We’re loaded up… we’ve used this to restock,” Trump said, adding that American forces are “raring to go” if he gives the order. His remarks underline a hardening stance at a time when diplomatic efforts remain fragile and uncertain.
Iran has maintained that it will not engage in negotiations under what it describes as coercive conditions, including threats of renewed attacks and a continuing US naval blockade. Officials in Tehran insist that diplomacy cannot proceed “under the shadow of threats.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated the country’s defiance, saying that Iran would not surrender or accept talks under pressure. He warned that Tehran has prepared “surprises” in the event of renewed conflict.
Military leadership, including the powerful Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, has also signalled full preparedness, indicating that Iran is bracing for the possibility of further escalation.
With the ceasefire deadline fast approaching, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. Deep mistrust, unresolved disputes and escalating military actions continue to undermine diplomatic progress.
While mediation efforts offer a narrow window for dialogue, the risk of renewed conflict looms large. The coming days will be critical in determining whether negotiations can avert another phase of war or whether tensions will once again spiral into open confrontation.
Ceasefire nears expiry
The two-week ceasefire, initially announced by Trump on April 7, is set to expire imminently, with conflicting signals about whether it will be extended. While some diplomatic sources have suggested a slight extension, Trump has made clear he does not favour prolonging the truce if negotiations fail.
“I don’t want to extend it,” he said, reinforcing concerns that hostilities could resume within days. The ceasefire has already come under strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani warned that while Tehran does not seek further conflict, it would respond “more firmly than before” if attacked again.
Pakistan pushes for engagement
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan has stepped up efforts to prevent a collapse of diplomacy. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both Washington and Tehran to extend the ceasefire and continue dialogue.
In a meeting with US chargé d’affaires Natalie A. Baker, Islamabad emphasised the importance of sustained engagement to avoid further escalation. Pakistan has been actively facilitating talks and is expected to host the next round of negotiations, though Iran has yet to confirm its participation.
US boarding of Iranian tanker raises stakes
Tensions escalated further after the US military boarded an Iranian-linked oil tanker in international waters, marking a significant move in enforcing sanctions on Tehran’s crude exports. The vessel, reportedly carrying around 2 million barrels of oil, was intercepted without incident.
US Central Command said the operation was part of broader efforts to disrupt networks supporting Iran’s energy exports. However, the move risks complicating already fragile diplomatic efforts, as Iran has repeatedly said it will not negotiate while under blockade.
There was no immediate official response from Tehran regarding the incident, though Iranian sources indicated that a final decision on attending upcoming talks in Islamabad has yet to be made.
Nuclear programme remains key sticking point
At the heart of the dispute lies Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump has insisted that any agreement must prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, including requiring it to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and has sought to retain key elements of its programme while negotiating relief from sanctions. Control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic lever for Tehran in these negotiations.
Global concerns over stability
The ongoing conflict has already had far-reaching consequences. Thousands have been killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, as well as in Israel’s parallel military campaign in Lebanon. The war has triggered a historic disruption in global energy supplies, with fears of rising oil prices and potential economic fallout.
Qatar has voiced strong support for de-escalation efforts led by Pakistan, while warning that a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could escalate into a global crisis. Although Doha believes it can manage short-term disruptions, it cautioned that continued instability would have worldwide repercussions.
