Trump Issues Nuclear Ultimatum to Iran Amid Escalating Maritime Attacks

The Trump administration has escalated pressure on Tehran, with President Donald Trump issuing a 10–15 day ultimatum to secure a deal on Iran’s nuclear program. Stating that the U.S. will either reach a resolution or "finish the job," the President warned of severe consequences should negotiations fail. This diplomatic brinkmanship occurs during a period of extreme regional volatility, as Iranian forces launched direct missile strikes against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In a related incident, a tanker north of Oman caught fire following a projectile strike, though no casualties were reported. The surge in military activity comes despite a temporary "strategic pause" in indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran, held while Iran conducts funeral ceremonies for the late Supreme Leader Khamenei. Qatar’s foreign minister confirmed that talks are suspended until after the burial on July 9. Despite the pause, Iran’s chief negotiator maintained that a deal remains within reach, even as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s continued support for armed regional factions, including Hamas. Adding to the tension, Israeli officials have intensified their rhetoric. Defense Minister Sa’ar issued a direct threat to the Iranian regime, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to seek a high-level meeting with President Trump to discuss U.S. military contingencies against Iran. Meanwhile, on the economic front, President Trump has linked current market fluctuations to Middle East stability, asserting that his administration's policies are focused on resolving the inflationary pressures created by the ongoing conflict.