Washington: US President Donald Trump has placed military options against Iran back on the table as diplomatic negotiations with Tehran stall and political divisions intensify in Washington over the costs and direction of US policy, according to American media reports.
The shift in posture comes as talks over Iran’s demand for reciprocal recognition remain unresolved, while the White House simultaneously escalates diplomatic pressure and public warnings, signalling a potential breakdown in negotiations.
Citing Axios, reports said Trump recently hardened his rhetoric after expressing frustration with Tehran’s response to a US peace proposal, which he reportedly described as “totally unacceptable.”
In remarks during a phone interview with Axios, the president warned that “the clock is ticking” and said Iran would be “hit much harder” if it failed to change its position.
“We want to make a deal. They are not where we want them to be,” Trump was quoted as saying. “They will have to get there, or they will be hit badly.”
According to reports, the White House is also preparing for high-level security deliberations, with a Situation Room meeting expected to be convened involving senior officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and special envoy Steve Witkoff to review military contingencies in the event of diplomatic failure.
Trump has also reportedly held consultations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv on Iran-related policy.
While the administration increases military signalling, domestic opposition to escalation is also growing. Congressional Democrats have intensified efforts to limit presidential war powers through legislative measures, hearings and repeated War Powers Resolution votes.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the conflict risks strengthening US adversaries, arguing that “the American people may not be benefiting from Trump’s war, but our adversaries certainly are.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has warned that the administration lacks a “coherent exit strategy,” while other lawmakers, including Representative Ro Khanna, have raised concerns over inflationary pressures and rising fuel costs linked to geopolitical instability.
Although recent congressional efforts to restrict military action have narrowly failed, the votes have exposed deep partisan divisions, with some measures reportedly ending in deadlock and limited cross-party support.
Separately, former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a Trump ally, cautioned against military escalation, warning of significant domestic political backlash if US forces are deployed.
The developments come as Washington weighs a mix of diplomatic pressure and military preparedness, even as internal political resistance to a potential conflict continues to grow.