Trump Threatens ‘Much Higher Level’ Attacks if Iran Rejects Deal

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN, May 6 — U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that American military action could resume at a “much higher level and intensity” if Tehran refuses to accept a proposed agreement aimed at ending the Gulf conflict.

The warning came as negotiations between the United States and Iran appeared to move closer toward a temporary diplomatic framework, with Pakistan continuing to mediate between the two sides.

Trump said the conflict could end if Iran agrees to the proposal currently under discussion, but warned that failure to do so would trigger renewed military action.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts,” Trump said, adding that any future attacks would be at a “much higher level and intensity than before.”

Talks continue despite threats

The remarks highlight the fragile balance between diplomacy and military pressure that has defined the latest phase of the crisis.

Recent reports indicate the U.S. and Iran are discussing a memorandum that could:

• Pause hostilities
• Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
• Launch broader negotiations over sanctions and nuclear restrictions

Pakistani mediators have played a central role in keeping communication channels open between Washington and Tehran.

Iran has not yet formally accepted the proposal but confirmed that diplomatic messages are still being exchanged through Pakistan.

Hormuz remains central issue

At the center of the conflict remains the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping route through which nearly 20% of global oil supply passes.

Trump said that if Iran accepts the deal:

• The U.S. military campaign known as “Epic Fury” would end
• The naval blockade could ease
• The Strait of Hormuz would reopen fully to international shipping

But he warned that rejecting the proposal could lead to a significantly larger military campaign.

Oil markets react sharply

Financial markets responded quickly to signs that diplomacy might still succeed.

Oil prices fell sharply after reports emerged that the U.S. and Iran were nearing an agreement. Brent crude reportedly dropped toward the $98–$100 range as traders reduced geopolitical risk premiums.

Investors interpreted the negotiations as the strongest signal yet that a wider regional war could still be avoided.

However, analysts warned that the market remains extremely sensitive to headlines because the situation could reverse quickly if talks collapse.

Iran reviewing proposal

Iranian officials have taken a cautious approach publicly.

Tehran said it is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal while continuing diplomatic contacts through mediators. Iranian officials also reportedly described parts of the American proposal as unrealistic, particularly demands related to uranium enrichment.

One of the biggest disputes remains whether Iran would:

• Fully stop uranium enrichment
• Or temporarily suspend it under international monitoring

The United States is reportedly pushing for stronger long-term restrictions.

Military pressure still active

Despite ongoing diplomacy, military pressure in the Gulf remains high.

The U.S. recently paused “Project Freedom,” an operation designed to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but American naval forces remain heavily deployed in the region.

Iranian forces also continue to maintain a significant presence around the strait, and both sides remain capable of rapid escalation.

Experts warn that:

• A failed negotiation could trigger renewed attacks
• Naval incidents could quickly escalate tensions
• The ceasefire remains fragile

Final analysis

Trump’s warning reflects a strategy combining diplomacy with overwhelming military pressure.

Washington appears to be signaling:
👉 Accept the deal and tensions ease
👉 Reject it and conflict intensifies

For now, diplomacy is still alive — but the threat of renewed escalation remains very real.

The next few days could determine whether the Gulf moves toward de-escalation or returns to open conflict.