Iran warns of new military moves if ceasefire collapses, as Trump pressures Tehran to negotiate

Iran is raising the rhetorical heat as the fragile ceasefire with the United States teeters. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Monday that Iran's armed forces are "prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield" if fighting resumes, accusing President Trump of already violating the terms of the truce. The warning comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, where a high-stakes meeting meant to extend the ceasefire has yet to begin, with no public confirmation that Iranian officials will even show up.

The silence from Tehran has only sharpened the tension. Over the weekend, not a single commercial tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz-a rare stillness that underscores how tightly both sides are holding their ground. The waterway, usually bustling with energy traffic, has become a symbol of the broader standoff. With no movement on negotiations, analysts say the next few days could determine whether diplomacy gets a second wind or gives way to renewed conflict.

President Trump, meanwhile, is framing the moment as a decisive test of American resolve. In recent statements, he's called for the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and its network of regional proxies, labeling the next 120 hours as critical. Advisers close to the administration describe a strategy of maximum pressure aimed at forcing Tehran to the table on U.S. terms. But so far, Iran appears to be waiting Trump out, betting that political headwinds at home may weaken his position.

That calculation may not be unfounded. Recent polling highlighted by HuffPost Politics shows Trump's approval ratings on foreign policy at record lows, with CNN data analyst Harry Enten calling this his "worst position ever" on what voters see as the top national issue. While the administration argues that tough stances prevent war in the long run, critics say the current approach risks miscalculation without a clear off-ramp.

On the ground, there's little sign of de-escalation. Iranian state media have amplified military drills and missile readiness, while U.S. forces in the Gulf remain on high alert. Diplomats in Islamabad are still preparing for talks, but without confirmed participation from Iran, the meeting risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive. The lack of direct communication channels between Washington and Tehran only deepens the uncertainty.

What makes this moment especially volatile is the mix of military posturing and political timing. Trump is pushing for a legacy-defining foreign policy win ahead of the 2028 election cycle, while Iran's leadership appears focused on survival and strategic patience. Neither side wants to be seen as backing down, but both understand the cost of failure.

For now, the world watches a quiet strait and a silent negotiating table, hoping that the next move isn't a shot fired. With so much hanging in the balance, the coming days may not just shape U.S.-Iran relations-they could redefine security in the Middle East for years to come.