Trump Warns of Potential Resumption of Strikes on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on May 2, 2026, that resuming military strikes against Iran remains a possibility if the country misbehaves, even as he reviews a new Iranian proposal intended to end the ongoing war.

Speaking with reporters at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, before departing for Miami, the president indicated he had been informed of the concept of a deal with Iran. He noted that he was waiting for the exact wording of the proposal before making a final determination.

The comments follow a period of heightened tension and military activity in the Middle East, including a U.S. Blockade of Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and triggered a global energy crisis.

Disagreement Over Peace Terms

The current diplomatic effort follows a previous offer from Tehran that President Trump characterized as unsatisfactory. On May 1, 2026, the president told the media he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest peace proposal and expressed uncertainty regarding whether a deal would be reached.

According to a senior Iranian official speaking on May 2, the proposal rejected by the U.S. President would have involved opening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and ending the U.S. Blockade of Iran. The official stated that this plan would have deferred discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program to a later date.

President Trump indicated that Iran was seeking terms he can’t agree to. He warned that if negotiations failed, he would blast them away.

War Powers and Ceasefire Status

The diplomatic friction occurs alongside complex legal and military timelines. On May 1, 2026, President Trump informed Congress that hostilities in Iran have terminated since the imposition of a two-week ceasefire on April 7, which has since been extended.

This notification coincided with a deadline under the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Under that law, the president would have been required to either ask Congress to declare war against Iran or seek authorization for the continued use of military force against the country.

Despite the reported termination of hostilities, the administration has maintained a military presence in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln has recently conducted blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Implications

Iranian officials have reacted to the president’s dissatisfaction with the peace terms by suggesting a restart of the conflict is likely. The potential for short and powerful strikes, as reported by some outlets, remains a central component of the U.S. Strategy to pressure Tehran into a deal that meets American requirements.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, remains a primary flashpoint. The Iranian proposal to reopen the strait was presented as a gesture to stabilize global energy markets, though the U.S. Has yet to accept the terms of that opening.