Trump "Seriously Considering" Return to War

US President Donald Trump is seriously considering resuming military action against Iran, according to aides close to the president cited by CNN on Monday night, as frustration grows inside the administration over Tehran’s handling of negotiations.

The report said Trump is being pushed toward renewed action by three main factors: Iran’s latest proposal, which he has called “unacceptable,” the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and divisions inside the Iranian leadership.

Speaking to reporters Sunday, Trump said the ceasefire was “on life support” after receiving Iran’s latest offer. He added that he “has a plan” and repeated that “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

According to CNN, US officials believe Washington and Tehran are operating on completely different timelines. Iranian leaders are said to believe the regime can withstand economic pressure longer than it could endure another round of US and Israeli strikes. The Trump administration, by contrast, is trying to use military threats and the blockade of Iranian ports to force a quicker decision.

Still, officials said after a US security cabinet meeting Sunday night that the chance of immediate renewed strikes remains low. They said any major decision is unlikely before Trump’s upcoming visit to China.

The debate inside the administration reportedly reflects a divide between hawks and officials urging more time for diplomacy. The hawkish camp wants to increase pressure on Pakistani mediators, arguing that they may not be conveying Trump’s warnings to Tehran with enough urgency. Some officials have questioned whether Pakistan is communicating the president’s displeasure as forcefully as Trump has expressed it publicly.

Those officials believe Iran must understand that a return to hostilities is a real possibility if it does not move closer to the US position.

Other aides are urging Trump to avoid renewed attacks while negotiations are still underway. They argue that diplomacy should be given a genuine chance, especially while a ceasefire remains technically in place and mediators are still working to bridge the gaps.

The talks have been focused on an interim framework to end the war, address Iran’s nuclear program, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resolve disputes over frozen assets. But the continued closure of the strait, one of the world’s most important energy routes, has kept pressure on global markets and deepened doubts in Washington about Tehran’s intentions.

Trump has repeatedly warned that bombing could resume if Iran rejects a deal. Monday’s report suggests that possibility is now being discussed more seriously inside the White House, though not yet as an immediate decision.