U.S.-Iran Tension Peaks as Trump Threat to End War Amid Qatar-Led Peace Talks

POLICY WIRE — Tehran, Iran — Iran’s foreign ministry announced on Monday that the resolution of the escalating standoff with the United States now rests with President Donald Trump.

Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters in Tehran that the ball is in Washington’s court, asserting that Iran has presented its clear, transparent, and logical demands.

Current diplomatic efforts, facilitated by mediators in Qatar, Pakistan, and elsewhere, focus on a seven-day framework proposed by Tehran in September. The plan demands the release of frozen Iranian assets, the termination of the U.S. naval blockade, and a cessation of hostilities across all fronts.

In exchange, Iran has offered a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and continued discussions on broader issues.

While President Trump dismissed the original proposal, both nations have exchanged revised versions. In recent weeks, the President has frequently stated he is deciding between launching new military strikes or finalizing a deal to conclude the war.

During a Sunday radio interview ahead of an Iowa campaign rally, Trump declared his intention to resolve the conflict shortly, regardless of the outcome.

“Either they’ll make a deal, or we’ll just end it,” Trump remarked without providing further details.

Trump also informed reporters that he had a “very good talk” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday regarding the war in Iran.

While the President offered no specifics on the conversation, reports from Axios suggest that Netanyahu advocated for American strikes against Iran, whereas Trump prefers to allow the negotiations to proceed.

The U.S. and Iran remain engaged in indirect talks via Qatari mediators to prevent further escalation, even though Trump has hinted at potential renewed attacks following the midterm elections.

On Saturday, Trump indicated the U.S. might address one or two additional targets in Iran, reiterating that he may need to give Tehran the hammer.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned on Saturday that there would be no geographical boundaries if fighting resumes, noting the theater theater is vast and could inflict significant damage.

Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser for the United Arab Emirates, expressed hope for a diplomatic breakthrough during a forum in Bahrain but admitted the region is preparing for the worst-case scenario.

Gargash noted that Iran’s recent attacks on Gulf nations represent a watershed moment for the area, stating the UAE does not desire another round of confrontation.

British maritime security authorities reported on Sunday that a merchant vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. The master issued a mayday call.

According to the Qatar News Agency, the liquefied natural gas carrier Al Mayeda, operated by Qatar Gas Transport, was hit Friday by unidentified objects. No crew members were injured, and no environmental damage was reported.

Since the Middle East conflict began in February, Iran has targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf to assert control over maritime lanes.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed hope on Sunday for rationality from the United States as diplomatic teams strive to avert a return to full-scale war.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)em>