Washington: US President Donald Trump has privately indicated that the current ceasefire with Iran could be abandoned if Tehran is found responsible for the deaths of American military personnel, according to US officials cited by media reports.
The officials said Trump has informed aides that the temporary halt in US airstrikes remains in place despite continued hostilities and sporadic clashes across the region. The pause, which has lasted several weeks, reflects the administration’s preference to avoid a broader military confrontation with Iran.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump is willing to tolerate limited flare-ups and regional skirmishes rather than risk a full-scale conflict in West Asia. The report suggests the president remains cautious about reopening a major military campaign even as tensions remain elevated.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Tehran appear to have reached a significant roadblock.
Reports indicate that negotiations have stalled over Iran’s demand that the United States release a portion of its frozen assets at the outset of any agreement. Tehran has reportedly insisted that access to liquid funds be included in the initial phase of a potential deal, a condition that US officials have rejected.
According to The Jerusalem Post, several rounds of behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving international intermediaries have failed to bridge the gap. Sources familiar with the discussions said Iranian negotiators continue to insist on immediate financial relief before taking substantive steps related to nuclear commitments or regional security issues.
Washington, however, remains unwilling to offer upfront concessions. Senior US officials have reportedly maintained that no frozen assets will be released unless Iran first makes meaningful moves on its nuclear program and maritime security concerns, including issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the deadlock, Trump struck an optimistic tone when speaking about the talks at the White House, saying discussions with Tehran were progressing positively, while acknowledging that a final breakthrough was far from guaranteed.
“It might not happen. Who knows?” Trump said, referring to the prospects of a deal. “But if it happens, it could happen over the weekend.”
He added that negotiations with Iran remain unpredictable, saying, “Anything can happen when you’re dealing with Iran.”
The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a central issue in the negotiations. Trump expressed confidence that commercial shipping through the strategic waterway would resume quickly if a memorandum of understanding is finalized between the two countries.
“It will open up quickly,” Trump said, adding that the United States had already deployed mine-clearing assets in the region.
The president also reiterated his desire for Washington to secure control of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. Trump argued that only the United States and China possess the capability to safely manage the material.
“I want to get it,” Trump said. “We will go get it.”
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives has approved a Democratic-backed resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizes it.
The measure passed the House by a narrow 215-208 vote on Wednesday, with four Republicans — Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson — joining Democrats in support.
The vote marks the latest congressional effort to curb presidential war powers regarding Iran and reflects growing bipartisan concern over the possibility of deeper US involvement in the conflict.
