President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on social media Wednesday, threatening intensified military action against Iran unless the country accepts terms of a potential peace deal that could conclude their ongoing conflict.
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” Trump’s post said.
According to Axios reporting, the White House is close to finalizing a brief, one-page agreement with Iran that would bring the war to an end. The proposed deal reportedly contains several key elements: halting Iranian uranium enrichment activities, removing U.S. economic sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
In his social media statement, Trump suggested that energy shipments of oil and natural gas could resume if Iran agrees to the undisclosed terms. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about Iran’s willingness to accept the proposal.
Trump wrote that it was “perhaps a big assumption” that Iran would agree to the terms being offered by the United States.
White House officials declined to provide additional details or respond to inquiries about the reported negotiations.
Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced questioning Wednesday before a House panel investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers are examining Lutnick’s interactions with the convicted sex offender following 2008. Despite providing conflicting accounts of his relationship with Epstein, Lutnick maintains his innocence and expressed willingness to participate in the private congressional interview.
Tuesday’s electoral results across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan painted a familiar political landscape heading into November’s midterm contests. Trump continues to wield significant influence within Republican circles, though Democratic candidates appear to be gaining ground.
In Indiana specifically, Trump successfully backed five candidates in primary races, supported by over $8.3 million in campaign spending. The president targeted seven Republican state senators who had opposed his congressional redistricting proposal, with five of his endorsed challengers emerging victorious.
Trump has also renewed his public disagreements with Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, potentially creating diplomatic complications for Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s planned Vatican visit this week. In a recent interview, Trump criticized the Pope’s stance on Iran and immigration policies, claiming the religious leader’s positions make the world less secure.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his nation’s concern about the U.S.-Iran conflict during meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing. This marked Araghchi’s first visit to China since hostilities began on February 28. The Trump administration is encouraging China to leverage its economic and political relationships with Tehran to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent polling data from AP-NORC reveals that approximately one-third of American adults report knowing someone whose life has been affected by immigration enforcement measures over the past year. Hispanic Americans are particularly impacted, with more than half reporting personal connections to individuals who have altered their daily routines, travel plans, or documentation practices due to immigration concerns.
Democratic candidates have demonstrated unexpected strength in recent special elections nationwide, winning in traditionally challenging districts and narrowing margins even in losses. While higher midterm turnout could change these dynamics, the trend has energized Democratic supporters and concerned Republicans about maintaining their congressional control.
