A senior US official has warned that war could resume within days if no breakthrough is achieved in ongoing negotiations with Iran, according to Axios. The warning reflects a critical turning point, with the current ceasefire set to expire in three days and no confirmed timeline for renewed talks between the two sides.
Emergency White House Meeting Signals Escalation Risk
The warning coincided with an emergency meeting convened by Donald Trump in the White House Situation Room on Saturday morning. The meeting focused on the renewed crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the stalled diplomatic track with Tehran.
This follows Iran’s announcement that it had reclosed the strait and carried out attacks on vessels in the waterway, less than 24 hours after Trump publicly suggested that an agreement was within reach.
Senior US officials attended the meeting, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Also present were White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.
Pakistan Mediation Efforts and Diplomatic Breakdown
US officials revealed that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir had led mediation efforts in Tehran earlier this week. Trump reportedly held at least one phone call with Munir as part of these efforts.
While Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed it had reviewed new US proposals delivered via the Pakistani intermediary, Axios cited a source indicating that the latest Strait of Hormuz crisis erupted despite earlier progress on uranium enrichment issues.
Conflicting Signals and Strategic Pressure
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that Iran had “acted cunningly” by attempting to close the strait, stressing that the United States “cannot be blackmailed”. He added that clarity on whether a deal would proceed could emerge by the end of the day.
Iranian armed forces, meanwhile, announced the reclosure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to what Tehran described as the continuation of a US naval blockade. Iranian officials accused Washington of failing to honour its commitments.
A statement from Iran’s central military command confirmed that control over the strait would remain tightly enforced until the United States allows full maritime access to and from Iranian ports.
Ceasefire Deadline Approaches
In remarks delivered aboard Air Force One following a visit to Arizona, Trump warned that he may not extend the ceasefire if no agreement is reached.
He stated: “I may not extend it, but our blockade in Hormuz continues. You are under blockade, and unfortunately, we may have to resume bombing.”
Strategic Outlook
With the ceasefire nearing expiration, stalled negotiations, and rising military signals on both sides, the situation is entering a decisive phase. The absence of a clear diplomatic pathway, combined with escalating actions in the Strait of Hormuz, places the region on the brink of renewed confrontation.
