US President Donald Trump has reportedly been briefed on military options for a renewed large-scale conflict with Iran but has, for now, decided to continue pursuing diplomacy despite growing tensions between the two countries. According to reports citing US officials familiar with the discussions, Trump recently held multiple meetings with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to review possible military responses. The deliberations come as Iran has stated that it will not hold direct talks with senior US envoys currently in the Middle East.

The discussions reportedly focused on whether the United States should abandon ongoing negotiations and resume wider military operations against Iran. Some officials are said to have described such an approach as an opportunity to "finish the job" following previous strikes. However, Trump reportedly believes that launching another major offensive at this stage could undermine diplomatic efforts and reduce Washington's chances of eventually securing a broader agreement aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programme. He is also said to be open to extending negotiations beyond the August 18 target date for a nuclear deal.

Speaking publicly last week, Trump maintained that negotiations were progressing positively and expressed confidence in the US position. While signalling that military action remains an option if necessary, he indicated that diplomacy continues to be the preferred course. Reports suggest the administration is currently satisfied with responding through limited military strikes if Iran violates existing understandings, rather than pursuing a prolonged military campaign that could further destabilise the region.

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Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed reports of imminent high-level talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no meetings with the American delegation had been scheduled in the coming days, even as US presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Doha for indirect negotiations through Qatari mediators. The differing public positions have cast uncertainty over prospects for achieving a lasting diplomatic breakthrough.

One of the major issues complicating negotiations remains the future of maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran has maintained that it has sovereignty over the waterway alongside Oman and has argued in favour of charging service fees for vessels passing through the strait. The United States, however, opposes any such charges, with reports indicating that US Vice President JD Vance has stated Washington would not allow Iran to impose transit tolls on international shipping.

The latest developments highlight the fragile balance between diplomacy and military preparedness as both sides continue to navigate one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical disputes. Although direct engagement remains limited and significant disagreements persist, diplomatic channels have not been completely closed. Observers will be closely watching whether indirect negotiations can reduce tensions or whether renewed disagreements could once again push the two countries toward confrontation.

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