On May 17, Trump stated on the social media platform Truth Social, "Iran doesn’t have much time," urging the country to act quickly or face severe consequences. In a phone interview with Axios, he reiterated that Iran's regime would face much stronger attacks if it fails to offer a more favorable agreement. "We want a deal. But they are not at the level we want them to be," Trump said. "They need to reach that level, or they will be hit hard, and they don’t want that."
These comments reflect the U.S. administration's dual approach of seeking diplomatic solutions while simultaneously increasing military pressure. Axios reported that Trump plans to convene the National Security team in the White House Situation Room on May 19 to discuss military options against Iran.
Previously, on May 16, Trump met with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at his golf course near Washington, D.C., to discuss strategies for responding to Iran.
Cooperation with Israel has also been noted. Israeli media, including the Times of Israel, reported that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran during a phone call.
The New York Times also reported that the Pentagon is preparing for the potential resumption of military operations against Iran, which were halted last month following a ceasefire declaration. Two officials in the Middle East indicated that the U.S. and Israel are enhancing their readiness for possible renewed attacks.
Diplomatic mediation efforts continue, however. The Pakistani Interior Minister visited Tehran over the weekend to discuss a ceasefire agreement with Iranian officials. Pakistan serves as an official mediator between the U.S. and Iran, while Qatar is also maintaining contact with both sides to facilitate negotiations.
Nevertheless, negotiations have stalled as Iran has not made sufficient concessions regarding its nuclear program and sanctions relief. U.S. officials believe that while Trump still seeks an agreement to end the conflict, military options have resurfaced due to Iran's refusal to comply.
Renewed Armed Conflict in the Middle East
The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly unstable following a drone attack on facilities near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that one drone damaged a generator outside the plant's internal boundary, while two others were intercepted.
Although the UAE did not directly blame Iran, Anwar Gargash, a senior UAE diplomatic advisor, criticized the attack as a dangerous escalation, whether executed directly or through proxy forces.
This attack has raised security concerns across the Gulf region. Following the incident, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain to share information about the situation.
According to AFP, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement declaring that the drone attack poses a threat to regional security and stability, expressing support for all measures to protect the UAE's sovereignty and security. On the same day, the Saudi Defense Ministry announced the interception and destruction of three unmanned drones that entered its airspace from Iraq, heightening concerns about drone threats in the Gulf region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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