The prospect of a diplomatic agreement to end the escalating conflict with Iran has been cast into doubt after Donald Trump, President of the United States, said it may already be too late for negotiations.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump stated that Iran had been “begging” for a deal to end the war but added that he was unsure whether the United States was still willing to reach an agreement. His remarks come amid rapidly intensifying military and political developments across the region.

Meanwhile, Israel announced that its forces had killed a senior naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Israeli officials, the commander had been responsible for operations aimed at blocking the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

On Wednesday, Iran rejected a 15-point peace plan reportedly supported by the Trump administration and instead issued its own set of conditions for ending the conflict. Iranian officials said any agreement would need to address security guarantees and regional sovereignty.

Diplomatic channels remain active despite the rising tensions. Pakistan confirmed that it is acting as an intermediary, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to reduce the risk of further escalation.

At the same time, reports suggest that the United States is considering a range of military options if diplomacy fails. According to Axios, the plans under review could include a large-scale bombing campaign and potentially the deployment of ground forces aimed at delivering what officials described as a “final blow” to Iran’s military capabilities.