‘One last chance’: The times Trump threatened Iran, said deal imminent

The pattern of escalation and de-escalation has defined US-Iran relations since late February, when the US and Israel launched their first coordinated attacks on Iranian targets. President Trump has repeatedly employed a strategy of raising tensions sharply before retreating, apparently hoping to pressure Tehran into negotiations.

In early March, Trump threatened to strike Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, then postponed the strikes citing progress in talks. As deadlines approached on March 26 and again on April 7—when Trump warned that "a whole civilisation will die"—the president repeatedly extended ceasefires and announced negotiations were progressing. Each time, he claimed either Iranian requests or mediator intervention justified the delays.

The conflict has now extended into its 23rd week with no resolution. On May 17, Trump threatened that "nothing will be left" of Iran if a deal was not reached, only to announce the following day that he would delay action further. Throughout this cycle, oil prices have surged due to concerns over Hormuz strait closure, creating volatility in global energy markets.

Iran's government has consistently denied engaging in direct negotiations with Washington, stating instead that discussions with Oman focus solely on managing the Strait of Hormuz. This divergence in public statements underscores the deep mistrust between the parties, even as both remain entangled in an escalating conflict with uncertain trajectory.