President Donald Trump will meet top national security and foreign policy advisors Monday to chart next steps in the US-Iran conflict, as diplomatic efforts stall with mutual blame-flying.
Hardline Address
In a White House speech, Trump declared the US “close to victory,” committing to “extremely hard” strikes for 2-3 more weeks despite dipping polls, rejecting shifts amid stalled Pakistan talks.
Diplomatic Breakdown
Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi faulted Washington for collapsing early-month Islamabad discussions—the first formal bid since hostilities rocked the Middle East and economy. Trump canceled envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s follow-up, telling Fox News: “If Iran wants talks, they can come to us.”
Proposal Falls Short
Tehran offered reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade while delaying nuclear talks, but US officials deem it below “red lines.” Trump insists: “The ball is in their court.”