US President Donald Trump warned Saturday that military action against Iran could resume if the regime “misbehaves” or takes further hostile steps, as negotiations over a possible end to the conflict appeared to be nearing another dead end.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said renewed strikes were “a possibility that could happen, certainly.” His comments followed reports that Tehran may still retain roughly 15% of its ballistic missile capability — a remaining arsenal the president said he “would like to eliminate” before Iran can rebuild.
U.S. President Donald Trump on the remaining 15% of Iran’s missile-making capabilities:
“I’d like to eliminate it… It’d be a start for them to build up again – and yeah, I would like to eliminate it.” pic.twitter.com/DNDUYoP0sY
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 2, 2026
Trump said he would review Iran’s latest diplomatic proposal while traveling, but later signaled on Truth Social that he was unlikely to accept it. Iran, he wrote, had not yet “paid a big enough price” for its actions over the past 47 years.
Iran reportedly submitted a 14-point proposal seeking talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade, and permanently ending hostilities in Iran and Lebanon. But according to reports, Tehran’s plan would delay negotiations over its nuclear program until after an initial agreement. For Trump, removing Iran’s ability to ever attain a nuclear weapon is the whole point.
Trump said Friday that Iran wants a deal because it has “no military left,” but added that the regime is still “asking for things” he cannot accept. He also described Iran’s leadership as “extremely disjointed” after the joint US-Israeli campaign launched on Feb. 28 severely damaged the regime’s command structure.
🚨Trump: “There’s tremendous discord. There’s tremendous, they have a tremendous problem getting along with each other in Iran. The leadership is very disjointed!” pic.twitter.com/OWZTr1nMDL
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) May 1, 2026
Tehran, for its part, is already preparing its own narrative. IRGC Brig. Gen. Mohammad Jafar Asadi said renewed conflict with the United States is “likely,” accusing Washington of failing to honor agreements. Iran’s judiciary chief added that the Islamic Republic would not accept imposed terms.
Clearly, the regime prefers the word “negotiation” when it means delay.
Meanwhile, US military pressure is growing. Central Command has reportedly prepared plans for a “short and powerful” wave of renewed strikes, potentially targeting key Iranian infrastructure. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper was briefed on those plans and visited US forces aboard the USS Tripoli in the Arabian Sea over the weekend.
During a trip to the region earlier today, Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in the Arabian Sea. He interacted with service members, recognized top performers, and toured various spaces throughout the amphibious assault… pic.twitter.com/GVl23P7Pl6
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 2, 2026
The blockade is also biting. Pentagon estimates cited in reports suggest Iran has lost nearly $5 billion in oil revenue, with dozens of tankers stranded in Gulf waters and storage capacity tightening.
For Israel, the lesson is familiar: Iran negotiates best when cornered, and most dangerously when given time.
The question now is whether Washington will use that pressure to force a real end to the threat — or watch Tehran attempt, once again, to survive the crisis and rebuild.
Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates
