Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States was giving diplomacy another opportunity after weeks of stalled negotiations following the ceasefire that paused Operation Epic Fury.
“We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens. Either have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won’t happen,” Trump said.
“We’re going to give this one shot. I’m in no hurry. Ideally I’d like to see few people killed, as opposed to a lot. We can do it either way,” he added.
The comments came six weeks after Trump suspended military operations under a ceasefire arrangement, amid continuing diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and Gulf states.
Iran, however, accused Washington of preparing for renewed conflict. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if attacks resumed, the conflict would expand beyond the Middle East.
“If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time,” the statement said.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused the United States of making “obvious and hidden moves” indicating preparations for new strikes.
Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi was in Tehran on Wednesday as part of Pakistan’s continuing mediation efforts. Islamabad previously hosted the only direct round of talks between the United States and Iran and has since acted as a channel for messages between both sides.
Iran submitted a new peace proposal to Washington this week. According to Iranian officials, the proposal again included demands linked to sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets, compensation for war damage, US troop withdrawals and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said earlier this week that he delayed planned attacks after requests from Gulf allies seeking more time for diplomacy. Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud welcomed the decision and supported continued negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis. Iran has largely restricted passage through the strategic waterway since the war began in February, severely disrupting global energy supplies. The United States later responded with restrictions targeting Iranian ports.
On Wednesday, two Chinese oil tankers carrying around four million barrels of crude reportedly exited the strait after Iran announced eased conditions for Chinese shipping during Trump’s recent visit to China.
Oil markets remain volatile as investors assess whether diplomacy can succeed. Brent crude prices eased slightly on Wednesday but remained above $108 per barrel amid continuing uncertainty.
The war began after US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran in February. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israel and Gulf-based US allies, while regional tensions also spread into Lebanon and Iraq through allied militias.
Despite weeks of bombardment, Iran retains significant missile and nuclear capabilities, including stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, while its leadership remains firmly in control domestically.
