US and Iran Pursue Deal as Leaders Threaten Renewed War

Diplomatic efforts to prevent another round of fighting between the United States and Iran continued in Qatar as mediators held negotiations for a third consecutive day on Sunday. The discussions aim to secure an agreement between Washington and Tehran, while escalating statements from both governments raise concerns about renewed military confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iranian negotiators were in Qatar discussing a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said progress depends on the responses provided by the United States.

US President Donald Trump has maintained that military action remains an option if negotiations fail. On Saturday, he identified a suspected nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain among the potential targets still under consideration.

Trump reiterated his position on Sunday, warning that Washington might need to take stronger action against Tehran.

"take care of" President Donald Trump said, referring to the remaining potential targets in Iran.

He also warned that military force could still be used if diplomatic efforts did not produce an agreement.

"the hammer" President Donald Trump said, describing the possible action against Tehran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also issued a warning about the consequences of renewed hostilities. His statement indicated that any future confrontation would not necessarily remain confined to a particular geographic area.

"no geographical limitations" Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei warned, describing the potential scope of another conflict.

He further emphasized Iran's capacity to extend the consequences of a military confrontation.

"vast theatre" Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said, referring to the potential scale of damage in another round of fighting.

Meanwhile, Trump discussed the conflict with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president confirmed that they had spoken on Saturday.

"very good talk" President Donald Trump said, describing his conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump did not disclose further details about their discussion. According to sources cited by Axios, Netanyahu favored renewed US strikes against Iran, while Trump wanted to allow the negotiations to continue.

Trump has also repeatedly indicated that he is considering restarting military operations after the US midterm elections.

The United Arab Emirates is preparing for the possibility of further escalation despite supporting diplomatic efforts. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash addressed the regional security situation at a forum in Bahrain on Sunday.

Gargash described Iranian attacks against Gulf countries, including the UAE, as a defining development for the region.

"We don't really want to see another round of confrontation in the region," Anwar Gargash said.

He added that the UAE and neighboring countries were preparing for the possibility that diplomatic efforts might fail and active hostilities could resume.

"the worst" Anwar Gargash said, describing the scenario for which the region was preparing.

The UAE experienced repeated Iranian attacks during the opening weeks of the war, which began in February. The attacks disrupted tourism and everyday activities while raising concerns about regional security.

Separately, maritime security concerns increased following reports of incidents involving commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Britain's UKMTO maritime agency said a merchant vessel had reported another ship being struck by an unidentified object on Sunday.

"an unknown projectile" Britain's UKMTO maritime agency reported, describing the object involved in the maritime incident.

The agency relayed information from the merchant vessel's captain, who had issued an emergency call.

"the master of a merchant vessel has relayed a mayday call... stating that another vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile" Britain's UKMTO maritime agency said in its report.

Separately, Qatar's state news agency reported that a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker had been attacked on Friday while traveling through Gulf waters.

"unidentified objects" Qatar News Agency said, describing the objects involved in the reported attack.

The vessel, identified as Al Mayeda, belongs to Qatar Gas Transport Company. Qatar News Agency reported that no crew members were injured and that the incident caused no environmental damage.

Trump also expressed confidence that the conflict would soon reach an end during an interview with Right Side Broadcasting Network ahead of a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday.

"one way or the other." President Donald Trump said, describing how he expected the conflict to end.

He maintained that the United States had achieved significant results through its military operations and expected a resolution soon.

"We've had such a victory, and we'll put it away very soon, one way or the other," President Donald Trump said.

Trump outlined two possible outcomes, linking the end of the conflict either to an agreement or to further US action.

"Either they'll make a deal, or we'll just end it… The job we've done is amazing." President Donald Trump said.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran's top diplomat expressed hope that Washington would approach the negotiations constructively as mediators continued working to prevent a return to full-scale fighting.

"rationality" Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, describing what he hoped to see from the United States during the diplomatic process.