Push for U.S.-Iran deal punctuated by threats to resume fighting

President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, discussing the ongoing war in Iran, according to Axios. Trump reportedly wants to allow negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to continue, while Netanyahu pushed for an attack on Iran. The U.S. and Iran have been engaging in indirect talks mediated by Qatar, aiming to reach a deal before the conflict escalates. However, both sides have been exchanging threats throughout the negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed during the talks that the goal of the proposed deal is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route. President Trump has hinted at the possibility of resuming attacks on Iran after the midterm elections. On Saturday, Trump stated that the U.S. still needed to address one or two potential targets in Iran, specifically a suspected nuclear complex at Pickaxe Mountain.

Later that day, he reiterated his threat, saying he may have to "give Tehran the hammer" at some unspecified time.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, warned on Saturday that if fighting with the U.S. resumes, there will be no geographical limitations to inflict damage. He emphasized that there is a "vast theatre" to inflict harm on. Both sides have acknowledged the existence of indirect talks but consistently exchange threats.

The UAE, during a security forum in Bahrain, expressed hope for a diplomatic breakthrough in the Qatari-led mediations and also prepared for the possibility of escalation. UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash noted that Iran's attacks on Gulf countries like the UAE have made this a "watershed year" for the region, warning that the region is braced for the worst in terms of potential escalation.