US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying Tehran will have to choose between what he described as the “easy way” and the “hard way” as tensions between the two countries continue.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he would decide how the United States would proceed with Iran. He also claimed that Iran had effectively abandoned plans to develop a nuclear weapon and said the country had already been “decimated”.
Iran prepares for possible renewed US strikes
Trump’s comments come as Iranian officials are reportedly preparing for the possibility of another major US military operation. According to a Reuters report, Iran’s leadership believes any renewed American campaign would require a stronger response than previous attacks. Senior commanders have reportedly been examining plans that could expand the scope of Iranian retaliation beyond US-linked targets.
The discussions could include targets in countries supporting American military operations, as well as locations outside the Middle East, according to Iranian officials cited by Reuters.
Iranian commanders and senior officials have stepped up preparations since President Masoud Pezeshkian returned from New York. However, no final decision on a response has reportedly been taken.
Iran weighs broader military response
The reported planning follows months of conflict that began with US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Although an April 8 ceasefire brought the 40-day war to an end, tensions and military confrontations have continued intermittently.
Hamidreza Azizi, a senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, said Tehran remained unsure whether Trump would order another extensive military campaign or choose more limited strikes, including attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities.
He said Iranian leaders appeared determined to respond more forcefully rather than carry out a limited retaliation, with the aim of restoring deterrence. Iran has also reportedly instructed allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to prepare in case Washington resumes large-scale military operations.
According to two Iranian officials cited by Reuters, the preparations could cover targets ranging from the Strait of Hormuz to US interests across the region and potentially beyond the Middle East.
Tehran keeps diplomatic channel open
Despite preparing for a possible military escalation, Iran has not completely abandoned diplomacy with Washington. Iranian officials have reportedly conveyed a proposal to the US through Qatari mediators during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Under the proposal, Tehran would seek an end to the fighting, the removal of the US blockade on Iranian ports, access to at least $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds and relief from oil sanctions.
Iran has indicated that such an arrangement could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to regional hostilities within seven days. However, with both sides continuing to prepare for further confrontation and showing limited willingness to compromise, the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain.
