There is still a stalemate between the United States and Iran after the truce in force since April 8, while the mediators try to find a diplomatic solution and at the same time the military option comes back into play.
President Trump told Axios during a phone call that “time is running out” for Iran and warned that if the Iranian regime doesn’t make a better offer for a deal, it will “take a much bigger hit.” “Time is running out. They better get a move on, otherwise they’ll have nothing left,” Trump underlined.
Things he had already said in the past, but in this case the words must be accompanied by some facts.
Trump met with members of his national security team at his golf club in Virginia on Saturday to discuss Iran, a knowledgeable source said. Among those attending were Vice President J.D. Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Trump also spoke about Iran in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. According to sources cited by Axios, Trump is expected to convene the leaders of his national security team in the Situation Room of the White House on Tuesday 19 May to discuss military options.
Meanwhile, Iran has responded to a new US proposal aimed at overcoming the diplomatic impasse and bringing a lasting end to the conflict, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. “Our concerns have been conveyed to the American side,” ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a press conference, adding that exchanges with the United States continue “through the Pakistani mediator.” Over the weekend, Pakistan’s interior minister traveled to Tehran for talks with senior Iranian leaders on a deal to end the war. He was supposed to return to Pakistan on Sunday, but decided to stay in Tehran on Monday too. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also a mediator, spoke with his Pakistani counterpart and the Iranian foreign minister on Sunday.
The Iranian proposal presented to the United States through Pakistan would be divided into 14 points. According to the Tasnim agency, Tehran’s objective is to end the war and establish a climate of trust. Somewhat vague concepts. It remains to be seen whether Trump will consider this proposal better than those received and rejected in recent weeks.
