Trump to Review Proposed Iran Deal Amid Continued Military Warnings

President Donald Trump has positioned himself as the final arbiter for a proposed U.S.-Iran agreement, signaling that while diplomacy remains active, any deal must align with U.S. regional interests. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored this diplomatic effort with a stern military warning, stating that the United States is prepared to resume war if Iran fails to meet strict conditions regarding its nuclear program. This "coercive signaling" comes as the administration ties the Iran file to broader Middle East goals, including potential normalization between Israel and regional partners. On the ground, maritime security remains a focal point of tension. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly allowed 24 ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively coordinating with NATO allies on a "Plan B" should Iran obstruct the waterway. Oman, acting as a neutral mediator, has denied reports that it intended to impose a toll on the strait, reflecting efforts to keep diplomatic channels open despite Tehran's public skepticism regarding an imminent breakthrough. The administration's current strategy appears to favor security and shipping leverage over new sanctions packages. President Trump indicated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the non-negotiable red line. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have pushed back against reports of a finalized deal, maintaining that significant hurdles remain before any formal agreement is reached.