Washington (HRNW)-\u00a0US President Donald Trump has said Washington is approaching a decision point in its confrontation with Iran, warning that Tehran must either reach an agreement with the United States or face possible further military action.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the matter could be resolved soon and indicated that military force remained an option alongside diplomacy. His remarks came as Washington and Tehran continued indirect contacts through regional mediators.<\/p>\n
At the same time, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, claimed that US military operations had severely damaged Iran\u2019s navy, air force, air-defence systems, leadership and military-industrial capabilities, as well as its nuclear programme. These statements represent the US administration\u2019s assessment, while the full extent of the reported damage has not been independently verified.<\/p>\n
Despite the military rhetoric, diplomatic contacts between the two countries have continued. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received US feedback through Qatari mediators in Doha regarding Tehran\u2019s proposed seven-day trust-building plan, according to Reuters. The proposal includes steps aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring normal maritime traffic, while broader discussions also involve Iran\u2019s nuclear programme and sanctions.<\/p>\n
Iranian officials said the main disagreement in the current discussions concerns the sequencing of the proposed steps, rather than necessarily the individual components of the plan. Qatar has continued passing messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to revive negotiations and reduce tensions.<\/p>\n
Trump had previously rejected Tehran\u2019s proposal publicly, while Iranian officials have maintained that diplomatic engagement remains possible. The latest exchange indicates that negotiations and the possibility of further military escalation are continuing simultaneously.<\/p>\n