US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering whether to escalate ongoing military strikes against Iran by targeting critical infrastructure, or allow additional time for negotiations, according to a report by Axios citing senior US officials.
The president has threatened to target bridges and power plants on a tight timeline, with a potential decision expected as early as Tuesday evening, the report stated. “If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision,” a senior administration official told Axios. A defense official added that they were “skeptical” any extension would be granted this time around.
Axios noted that Trump has adopted a more hawkish stance than some of his advisers, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, members of his negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, advocate for attempting to reach a deal immediately if possible.
Regional leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu, and certain US allies have reportedly urged Trump not to agree to a ceasefire without significant concessions from Iran. According to Axios, Iranian officials sent a 10-point response to the proposed ceasefire, which US sources described as “maximalist,” leaving uncertainty over whether diplomatic progress could be achieved.
Pakistani sources reported that the ceasefire proposal called for an immediate halt to hostilities, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a two-to-three-week window to finalize a broader settlement, and subsequent in-person talks in Islamabad. Iran, however, rejected the idea of being pressured by “deadline threats,” instead presenting its own framework, which included a permanent end to the conflict, full cessation of hostilities, safe navigation protocols through the Strait, and agreements on reconstruction and sanctions relief.
Trump has indicated that a deal remains possible but warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in devastating consequences for Iran. “The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow (Tuesday) night,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing his deadline of Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT Wednesday) by which he would consider striking every bridge and power plant in Iran if no settlement is reached.
The warnings come amid an ongoing escalation in the Middle East, following a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began on February 28. The campaign has reportedly resulted in more than 1,340 deaths, including that of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These strikes have caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions to global markets and aviation.
Analysts warn that the standoff could exacerbate regional instability, drawing in neighboring countries and complicating international diplomatic efforts. The potential targeting of critical Iranian infrastructure raises concerns over humanitarian impacts, energy market disruptions, and the risk of a broader military escalation.
As negotiations stall, the situation underscores the fragile balance between diplomacy and military action in the Middle East, with global observers closely monitoring developments to assess the potential for either de-escalation or intensified conflict.
With the proposed ceasefire talks facing obstacles and Iran maintaining firm conditions for negotiations, attention is focused on whether the US will pursue immediate military action or allow diplomatic channels to continue. The coming hours are widely regarded as critical in determining the next phase of the crisis.
Trump’s warnings, combined with Iran’s firm stance, signal a high-stakes scenario that could have far-reaching consequences for regional security, international trade, and the global economy, particularly given the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz as a major shipping route for oil and gas.
In the meantime, US and regional officials continue to coordinate on potential responses, with international observers urging restraint and calling for renewed dialogue to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
