Amid uncertainty over the second round of the ceasefire, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday struck an aggresive note, warning that the United States is ready to resume military action if a deal with Iran is not reached soon. Speaking in a phone interview with CNBC, Trump said the US holds the upper hand in negotiations.

“I think we’re in a very strong negotiating position to do what other Presidents should’ve done during a 47-year period. Forty seven years with these blood-thirsty people,” Trump said. He added that the US would push for what he called a “great deal” with Tehran.

Is US preparing to resume strikes?

Trump made it clear that military action remains on the table. When asked if the US would resume bombing if talks fail, he said, “Well, I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with, but we’re ready to go”.

Meanwhile, officials in the US said talks may take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, and that Vice President JD Vance could lead the American delegation, reported Reuters. However, uncertainty remains. Iranian state television said no delegation from Tehran has arrived in Islamabad so far.

Trump also spoke about the US naval blockade of Iran, calling it a success. “The blockade has been a tremendous success. They said two days ago, we will open the strait. I said, no, we’re not going to open the strait until we have a final deal. We totally control the strait,” he said.

Iran’s response

Iran’s chief negotiator and parliamentary speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf earlier said Tehran will not negotiate under pressure. “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” he wrote on X. He added that Iran has “new cards on the battlefield” that it has not yet revealed.

The tension revolves majorly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. About 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas passes through the narrow waterway in normal times. 

Before the conflict began, the strait remained open to international shipping. Trump has demanded that vessels move freely again. At the same time, Iran’s actions have pushed global oil prices higher. Brent crude reportedly traded near $95 per barrel on Tuesday.