President Trump told reporters on Saturday that he could order renewed military action against Iran if it “misbehaves,” raising the stakes in ongoing negotiations.
The comments come as both sides exchange drafts of a framework agreement to end the war, though Trump is also seriously considering ordering new strikes to break a stalemate. Iran presented a 14-point updated proposal on Thursday, according to two sources briefed on the matter.
The Iranian proposal sets a one-month deadline for talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the U.S. naval blockade, and permanently end hostilities in Iran and Lebanon. Only after such a deal is reached would another month of negotiations begin on the nuclear program, the sources said.
Trump was also briefed on Thursday by CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper about new plans for military strikes. Cooper then departed for the region, signaling the administration is preparing for both diplomatic and military paths forward.
Critics warn that threatening strikes while negotiating could undermine trust and scuttle the deal. The 14-point proposal itself faces internal opposition from hardliners in Tehran who view any negotiation as a concession.