As the world holds its breath for what the coming hours may bring in terms of serious escalation in the American-Israeli war against Iran, American sources have revealed conflicting possibilities ranging from escalation to extending the deadline.
The Axios website quoted a senior official in the U.S. administration stating that "Trump may hesitate to carry out his threat if he sees that an agreement is taking shape, but he alone makes the decision in this regard."
Details of the Situation
The same website reported that a source close to Trump indicated that the U.S. president would accept an agreement if it were presented, noting that "it is unclear whether the Iranians are ready to finalize a deal." He added that the situation will remain extremely tense until 8 PM on Tuesday, which is the deadline set by Trump.
According to another report by the Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials and intermediaries do not rule out that Trump may extend the deadline as he has done in the past.
The Wall Street Journal, citing American officials, highlighted Trump's deep desire to end the war and his consideration of the American public's reluctance to engage in long-term military operations.
In a related context, sources revealed to the newspaper that silent pressures are being exerted by Republicans who fear that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could lead to a sharp rise in gasoline prices, potentially jeopardizing the party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Context and Background
Conversely, the Wall Street Journal reported less optimistic estimates regarding negotiations and avoiding further escalation; U.S. officials stated that the gap between the American and Iranian positions is too wide to narrow before the deadline set by the U.S. president.
Axios also quoted another American official expressing skepticism about whether the president is willing to extend the deadline he has given to the Iranians this time.
In the same vein, sources indicated that a plan for a massive U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iranian energy facilities is ready for execution if the U.S. president gives the order.
In a report published by the Wall Street Journal titled "Diminishing Hopes for an Agreement with Iran Before Tuesday's Deadline," the newspaper, citing informed Arab officials, stated that Iranian officials have informed intermediaries of their fears that U.S. strikes on their country will continue even after an agreement is reached, and they expressed concerns about ongoing Israeli airstrikes aimed at assassinating senior Iranian officials, even if negotiations with Washington progress.
Impact and Consequences
American officials noted that Trump has been less optimistic in private discussions about reaching an agreement with Iran, expecting to issue final orders for the strikes he has threatened on Tuesday evening, although they indicated that his assessment may change based on the course of talks overnight.
An informed American source told Axios that Trump may be the most hardline figure regarding Iran among the senior levels of his current administration. The source, who has communicated with the president several times in recent days, noted that Trump's inclinations are more extreme than the prevailing political views in the White House.
In a description that reflects the president's inclination towards military options, the website quoted another American official stating that Trump is the "most bloodthirsty" in his dealings with the Iranian issue. The official added that well-known hardliners such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio seem like "doves" or "peace advocates" compared to the president's current positions.
Significance for the Arab Region
Trump stated to reporters on Monday during a press conference at the White House that Iran is "negotiating in good faith," but he threatened that the United States would "blow everything up" if the negotiations do not yield an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz.
American media outlets revealed new information regarding the developments and course of ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, as efforts continue to avoid a more severe escalation, with the deadline set by President Donald Trump approaching.
The New York Times reported that senior Iranian officials indicated that Tehran's proposal to end its war with the United States and Israel consisted of 10 points, including lifting sanctions on Iran, demanding guarantees against future attacks, and stopping Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.
In exchange, Iran would lift the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and impose fees estimated at around two million dollars on each ship, which would be shared with Oman, located on the other side of the strait.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran would use its share of the revenues to rebuild infrastructure damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes, rather than demanding direct compensation.
Iranian media had reported that Tehran submitted a proposal relayed by Pakistan, which is playing the main mediating role in the dispute that has entered its 39th day.
Official Iranian media stated that the Iranian proposal included a "rejection of a ceasefire" and "emphasized the necessity of ending the war permanently in accordance with Iran's considerations."
While official media did not publish the full proposal, they mentioned that it included a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as outlining Iran's demands for lifting sanctions, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and ending regional hostilities.
Axios reported that the United States and Iran, along with regional intermediaries, are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to the war, in a final effort to avoid a wide military escalation.
Four American, Israeli, and regional sources stated that the chances of reaching a partial agreement in the next 48 hours remain limited, but this represents the last opportunity to prevent escalation that could involve extensive strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, which may prompt Tehran to respond by targeting various sites in the region.
For his part, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, stated on his X platform account that "Pakistan's positive and constructive efforts based on goodwill and good intentions to stop the war are approaching a critical and sensitive stage."