• President Trump signals an imminent decision on whether to take military action against Iran, keeping both diplomatic and military options open.
  • High-stakes talks between the U.S. and Iran continue, but disagreements over the scope of negotiations make a breakthrough uncertain.
  • Escalation risks disrupting oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially driving up crude prices and unsettling global markets.

President Donald Trump said he will decide soon on possible action against Iran, as the administration weighs military strikes against ongoing diplomatic efforts. The statement comes amid renewed talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, but the two sides remain far apart, with the U.S. seeking broad concessions and Iran insisting on its right to enrich uranium.

“We’ll be making a decision very soon,” Trump told reporters, without elaborating. The White House has maintained a national emergency posture toward Iran, and recent reporting indicates that military options have been reviewed. Yet, talks are also underway, with Oman reportedly serving as a mediator. The dual-track approach has left markets and analysts uncertain.

“Without a deal, the risk of a strike remains high,” said a person familiar with the administration’s thinking. Iran has warned of retaliation, including potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Crude prices have already edged higher on the news, with Brent crude trading near $78 a barrel.

Efforts to reach a diplomatic solution have hit a snag, as Iran seeks to narrow discussions to the nuclear issue, while the U.S. insists on addressing ballistic missiles and support for militant groups. “The mismatch makes a deal difficult,” according to a European diplomat briefed on the talks. Without progress, Trump may opt for a limited strike, as he did in January, when he ordered airstrikes on Iranian-backed targets in Iraq.

The economic stakes are high. Any escalation could push oil prices higher, raising costs for consumers and businesses. Shipping and insurance costs in the region have already risen, and prolonged uncertainty could weigh on business planning. For now, the dominant theme is uncertainty, with analysts split on whether the threat is a bargaining tactic or a prelude to conflict.

We reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response by press time. This story will be updated if more details emerge.