TEHRAN – Tensions between US and Iran are escalating as Washington reportedly prepares military strike options while also keeping diplomacy open. Iran submitted revised proposal to ease crisis, but US officials said it falls short of key demands, especially on nuclear issues.
US President Trump is said to be weighing both negotiations and potential military action, with a high-level security meeting expected soon. Meanwhile, several regional countries are quietly trying to mediate, as fears grow that the standoff could spiral into a wider Middle East conflict.
Growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict are mounting after reports emerged that the Pentagon has prepared contingency strike plans targeting Iranian energy facilities and key infrastructure if President Donald Trump authorizes a new military campaign against Tehran.
Reports in international media said US military planners drafted options for potential attacks that could dramatically expand the current standoff between Washington and Iran. The plans reportedly include strikes on critical Iranian infrastructure, signaling that the White House is preparing for the possibility of a broader confrontation should diplomatic efforts collapse.
The developments come amid a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Trump, who warned Iran in a social media post that “the clock is ticking” and urged Tehran to act “FAST” or face severe consequences.
On the other hand, Iran reportedly submitted a revised counterproposal to Washington in an effort to ease tensions and revive stalled negotiations. However, senior U.S. officials quickly dismissed the proposal, describing it as largely cosmetic and insufficient to meet Washington’s core demands.
While Iranian offer reportedly included stronger language insisting that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons, U.S. officials said it still failed to address two key American conditions: ending uranium enrichment activities and relinquishing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Behind the scenes, pressure inside the White House is said to be intensifying. Trump is reportedly still open to a negotiated settlement, but administration officials confirm that military options are being actively reviewed alongside diplomatic tracks. A high-level Situation Room meeting involving Trump and senior national security advisers is expected Tuesday, where officials will reportedly examine both military and diplomatic scenarios.
One senior American official reportedly warned that if Tehran refuses to alter its position, negotiations could continue “through bombs,” fueling concerns that another major American military operation in the Middle East may be approaching. POTUS reinforced the warning during a recent phone call with Axios, reportedly saying that Iran could face significantly heavier strikes within days if it does not show greater flexibility.
Diplomatic communication between two sides remain fragile, with no direct substantive negotiations currently taking place. Most contacts are reportedly being handled through intermediaries and regional mediators.
Pakistan emerged as one of several countries involved in behind-the-scenes mediation efforts. Reports indicate that Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently spent several days in Tehran amid intensive diplomatic outreach before returning to Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Hakan Fidan warned during remarks in Berlin about the “danger of restarting the war,” as Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia continue efforts to push both sides toward compromise.
Despite ongoing diplomatic activity, tensions appear to be nearing a critical point. U.S. officials maintain that sanctions relief will not be considered unless Iran makes significant concessions, while intelligence assessments reportedly suggest Tehran’s repeated proposals reflect growing concern over the possibility of direct U.S. military action.
The crisis is unfolding amid an already expanding regional conflict that Trump previously predicted would last only “four to five weeks.” Instead, the confrontation has now stretched into its third month with no clear resolution in sight.
Critics of military escalation warn that Washington may be underestimating Iran’s capacity to retaliate. Analysts caution that a new bombing campaign could destabilize the wider Middle East, disrupt global oil supplies, and trigger broader regional warfare.
Trump recently concluded talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping without securing cooperation on reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit corridor. The setback has increased pressure on the White House as energy markets and world powers closely monitor the rapidly evolving crisis.
