US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, demanding a swift move toward a peace deal or facing total destruction. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28, has created an impasse, disrupting the Middle East and driving up energy prices.
"For Iran, the clock is ticking, and they better get moving, fast, or there won't be anything left of them," Trump posted on Truth Social, adding "Time is of the essence!"
The war has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for 20% of global oil exports, and drawn Israel and Lebanon into a deadly side conflict. Iran, which backs Hezbollah, demands a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon before any broader agreement.
Israeli military sources report Hezbollah fired about 200 projectiles at Israel over the weekend, despite a recent extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say new Israeli strikes killed five, including two children, in southern Lebanon. Since the conflict began, over 2,900 people have died in Lebanon.
Negotiations remain stalled after a temporary truce on April 8. Iranian media reports the US failed to make concrete concessions in its latest response. Washington demands Iran keep only one nuclear site operational and transfer its enriched uranium to the US. It refuses to release frozen Iranian assets or pay reparations for war damage.
A drone strike triggered a fire near a nuclear power station in Abu Dhabi, with no reported injuries or radiation impact. Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Houthi rebels in Yemen possess combat-grade drones.
Pakistan is mediating peace talks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran. Ghalibaf stated the US and Israeli war has destabilized the entire Middle East, and US presence has failed to provide security.
Discussions between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week yielded no progress on Iran. Trump said Xi denied preparing military aid. China’s foreign ministry called for reopening shipping lanes as soon as possible.