The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is rapidly unraveling, with both sides issuing stark warnings that signal a potential return to full-scale conflict within days.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran has used the temporary truce to prepare for renewed fighting, warning that the country is ready to escalate if negotiations collapse.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” Ghalibaf wrote, accusing Washington of attempting to force Iran into submission. He added that Iran has “prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield” if hostilities resume.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump signaled that the United States is prepared to respond with force if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire expires.

“Then lots of bombs start going off,” Trump said when asked what would happen if talks fail, underscoring the administration’s willingness to escalate military action.

The exchange of threats underscores the increasingly narrow window for diplomacy, with the ceasefire set to expire Wednesday evening. Trump has indicated it is “highly unlikely” the truce will be extended without a concrete agreement, even as he insists the United States will not be rushed into a deal.

At the center of the standoff is Washington’s demand that Iran abandon any path toward developing nuclear weapons — a red line Trump reiterated bluntly: “No nuclear weapons. Very simple.”

Behind the scenes, efforts are underway to revive talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, though uncertainty remains over whether Iran will formally participate. Iranian officials have signaled that any delegation would depend on preconditions being met, including a rollback of U.S. pressure measures.

Tensions have intensified further following recent U.S. actions at sea, including the seizure of an Iranian-linked cargo vessel. Tehran has condemned the move and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire, while U.S. officials maintain that enforcement operations remain legitimate.

Now in its eighth week, the conflict has already stretched beyond initial expectations, raising political and legal questions in Washington. Under the War Powers Resolution, prolonged military engagements typically require congressional approval — an issue that has already sparked debate on Capitol Hill.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)