By Emmanuel Bobby
The United States and Iran remain far apart in efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict, with less than 24 hours to go before President Donald Trump’s latest deadline for Tehran to agree to terms or face potential military strikes on key infrastructure.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump delivered a stark warning, setting a firm cutoff time and outlining the consequences if Iran fails to comply.
“We’re giving them till tomorrow, 8 o’clock Eastern time,” he said. “After that, they’re going to have no bridges. They’re going to have no power plants.”
The president reiterated his threat to launch sweeping attacks, including strikes on critical infrastructure, if an agreement — particularly one involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — is not reached.
Conflicting Signals on Diplomacy
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump indicated that negotiations are ongoing, describing Iran as “an active, willing participant” while simultaneously expressing frustration with communication challenges.
“They’re negotiating — we think in good faith,” he said. “We’re going to find out.”
At the same time, Trump dismissed a reported 45-day ceasefire proposal that has been circulating through diplomatic channels. The plan, reportedly conveyed via Pakistan, is one of several ideas being discussed by intermediaries, according to officials familiar with the talks.
“The only one who is going to set a ceasefire is me,” Trump said when asked about the proposal. “I haven’t set any ceasefire.”
While he acknowledged that Iran had submitted what he described as a “significant proposal,” he made clear it did not meet U.S. expectations.
Iran Pushes for Permanent End to Conflict
Iran, for its part, has taken a firm stance, insisting that any agreement must include a permanent end to hostilities. Iranian officials have publicly rejected temporary ceasefire arrangements, citing past experiences in which negotiations coincided with continued military pressure.
State media reported that Tehran recently delivered a 10-point proposal through Pakistan, emphasizing long-term guarantees rather than short-term pauses in fighting.
Both sides have confirmed that indirect communications have been taking place for weeks, with countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey acting as intermediaries. Senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have been involved in backchannel discussions.
Strait of Hormuz at the Center of the Standoff
A central issue in the dispute is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass through the narrow channel, making its accessibility critical to international markets.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that any deal must ensure the free flow of oil through the strait, calling it “a very big priority.” However, his position has shifted over time — at various points suggesting the U.S. does not depend on the route, while also demanding its reopening under threat of military action.
Iran, meanwhile, appears to view control over the strait as a key point of leverage.
Analysts Warn of Escalation Risks
Foreign policy experts say the situation is increasingly precarious, with both sides weighing high-stakes decisions.
Dennis Ross, a former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, noted that while Iran has suffered significant military losses, it still retains strategic influence through its position in the region.
“They see the conflict in existential terms,” Ross said, suggesting Iran’s leadership may believe continuing the standoff serves its long-term interests.
Others warn that the current trajectory offers limited good outcomes.
Eric Edelman, a former U.S. ambassador, said the administration faces a difficult choice between escalating military action or stepping back from the confrontation.
“In reality, there are only two options — escalate or walk away,” Edelman said. “Neither is particularly favorable, and escalation could trigger a cycle of destruction on both sides.”
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Trump’s explicit threats to target infrastructure such as power plants and bridges have also raised questions among legal experts about the implications under international law, which places restrictions on attacks against civilian targets.
When asked whether such actions could constitute a war crime, Trump dismissed the concern.
“No, not at all,” he said, while adding that he hoped military action would ultimately not be necessary.
A Critical Moment Ahead
The president has set multiple deadlines in recent weeks, some of which have been extended as negotiations continued. This time, however, he insisted there would be no further delays.
“It’s not going to be moved again,” Trump said. “I gave them a chance, and I hope they take it. If they don’t, it’s trouble.”
With the deadline fast approaching, the situation remains highly uncertain. Diplomatic channels are still active, but the gap between the two sides appears wide — and the risk of escalation is growing.
The coming hours are likely to be decisive, potentially determining whether the conflict moves toward a negotiated resolution or a new and more dangerous phase.
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