Trump reviews military options on Iran as diplomatic efforts struggle

US President Donald Trump is reviewing military options against Iran even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East conflict, according to multiple international reports.

The development comes amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and growing concerns that the fragile ceasefire efforts could collapse.

According to reports, Trump met senior national security advisers at the White House this week to discuss possible next steps if diplomatic talks fail to produce a breakthrough. Officials present reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Sources cited by US media outlets said Trump is “seriously considering” renewed strikes on Iran if Tehran refuses to move forward on negotiations related to regional security and its nuclear programme.

At the same time, diplomatic channels remain active.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir reportedly travelled to Tehran as part of last-minute mediation efforts involving Gulf countries attempting to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. Qatar has also been involved in backchannel discussions aimed at preventing fresh military escalation.

Despite those efforts, officials familiar with the talks said negotiations remain fragile and no major breakthrough has been achieved so far.

The latest developments follow months of escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

The broader crisis intensified earlier this year after US and Israeli military operations targeted Iranian military and strategic sites, triggering retaliatory actions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passes.

Although temporary ceasefire efforts had slowed direct confrontation, tensions have continued to simmer in recent weeks.

Trump has repeatedly signalled that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails. Earlier this month, he publicly framed the US approach as a choice between “making a deal” and escalating militarily against Iran.

Reports also suggest the White House has been assessing limited strike scenarios alongside broader regional contingency plans if hostilities resume.

The possibility of renewed conflict has heightened concerns across global energy markets, especially because instability around the Strait of Hormuz directly affects international crude oil supplies.

Any large-scale escalation between the US and Iran could further destabilise the Middle East, impact global fuel prices and increase pressure on US allies in the region.

Iran has meanwhile warned that it would respond strongly to any renewed military attack, while continuing to insist that Western pressure and sanctions must be eased before any long-term agreement can be reached.

So far, the White House has not officially confirmed any decision regarding fresh military action.