Trump says Iran begging for deal as US weighs final blow options

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iranian negotiators are “begging” for a deal after what he describes as having been “militarily obliterated,” rejecting Tehran’s public stance that it is only reviewing Washington’s proposal. “They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty,” he says in a Truth Social post. Trump’s comments come amid conflicting signals over possible talks, with Iran publicly denying negotiations with Washington.
Meanwhile, the US is working on options for a “final blow” to Iran that could see American ground troops deployed on Iranian soil, as well as a major bombing effort, Axios reports, citing two US officials and two sources with knowledge.The report said options under discussion include seizing or blockading key islands such as Kharg, Larak and Abu Musa, as well as targeting Iranian oil exports and potentially conducting strikes or operations against nuclear facilities.
Iran is increasing military defenses on Kharg Island in anticipation of a possible US operation to seize the territory, sources familiar with US intelligence reporting tell CNN. Tehran has been laying traps, moving military personnel and boosting air defenses amid fears of an American plan to take control of the island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, according to the report.
In Abu Dhabi, two people were killed and three others were injured on Thursday after debris fell following the interception of a ballistic missile. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the incident occurred on Sweihan Road and also damaged several vehicles. The identities of those killed had not yet been confirmed, it said. Authorities urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.