Trump Weighs Expanded Military Options as U.S.-Iran Nuclear Mediations Stall

Tensions between Washington and Tehran reached a critical juncture on Monday as President Donald Trump began weighing expanded military options. Reports indicate that the administration is moving beyond airstrike planning to consider ground contingencies and strikes on Iranian energy and infrastructure targets. The President signaled his impatience on Truth Social, warning that "the clock is ticking" and suggesting a massive response if diplomatic efforts remain stalled. A formal review of these options is expected during a Situation Room meeting scheduled for Tuesday. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan continues to serve as a back-channel mediator. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Tehran has submitted a revised set of terms to U.S. representatives. However, the White House has characterized the offer as a non-starter. Reaching a consensus remains difficult, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that deep-seated distrust of Washington remains the primary obstacle, while U.S. officials insist that Iran has yet to offer meaningful concessions on its nuclear program. Meanwhile, the economic and maritime dimensions of the conflict continue to destabilize regional trade. While Iranian state media claimed the U.S. agreed to waive sanctions on oil exports to facilitate talks, senior U.S. officials have flatly denied these reports, calling them part of an ongoing information war. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s enforcement of a new maritime permit system keeps shipping risks high and oil prices volatile, as markets brace for potential military escalation in the strategic waterway.