By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran on Sunday, saying the country’s leadership must act quickly or face severe consequences as a fragile ceasefire remains in place.
“For Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving, FAST … TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The remarks came as the administration continued pressing Tehran for stronger commitments regarding its nuclear program and broader regional issues.
Last week, Iranian officials submitted a peace proposal to the United States, but Trump said he rejected it because it lacked sufficient guarantees concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a central issue in ongoing negotiations.
Earlier this month, Trump told reporters that the ceasefire arrangement was on “massive life support” while U.S. military pressure—including a naval blockade on Iranian ports—remained in effect.
Nuclear Plant Incident Raises Regional Concerns
Trump’s comments also followed reports from officials in the United Arab Emirates that a drone struck a generator at a nuclear power plant, sparking a fire.
Authorities said no injuries were reported and radiation levels remained unaffected.
The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that emergency diesel generators had restored power to one of the plant’s operational units and urged “maximum military restraint” around nuclear facilities.
The agency said it was closely monitoring developments.
Iran Signals Readiness for Renewed Conflict
The broader conflict began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28, operations that reportedly killed key figures within Iran’s leadership structure.
Throughout the conflict, Iran repeatedly targeted Gulf nations hosting U.S. military facilities, including sites involving civilian and energy infrastructure.
On Sunday, Iranian officials suggested that hostilities could quickly resume.
Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that any future U.S. attacks would provoke what he described as “crushing and severe blows.”
According to comments carried by Iran’s semi-official IRNA news agency, he said additional strikes would create a “self-created quagmire” for the Trump administration.
Sticking Points Remain in Negotiations
The United States has demanded that Tehran dismantle its nuclear program and stop efforts to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, meanwhile, has sought compensation for war damage, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, and a halt to fighting across multiple regional fronts, including Lebanon, where Israel continues military operations against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
Trump also recently held discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping regarding whether China could help facilitate a resolution to the conflict. China remains a major purchaser of Iranian oil.
Before the ceasefire announcement, Trump warned Iran that U.S. strikes could target critical infrastructure—including bridges and power facilities—if an agreement was not reached.
The administration has also demanded an end to attacks on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Shipping Disruptions Continue Affecting Global Markets
Disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to one of the most significant oil supply crises in recent years, driving energy prices higher worldwide.
The U.S. military said Sunday that it had redirected 81 commercial vessels and disabled four others as part of enforcement efforts linked to its blockade operations.
Elsewhere in the region, Israel and Lebanon recently agreed to extend their ceasefire by an additional 45 days, although clashes have continued despite the temporary arrangement.
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