Trump warns Iran as regional tensions escalate on war's 80th day

The war involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its 80th day with tensions escalating across the Middle East as US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that time was running out to reach a deal aimed at ending the conflict.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran must move quickly towards an agreement or face severe consequences. Reports have also emerged suggesting Washington and Israel may be considering strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Iran responded with strong warnings of its own. Iranian Defence Ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik said the country’s armed forces were fully prepared to confront any renewed aggression from the US or Israel. Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council and former Revolutionary Guard commander, also warned Washington to lift its blockade on Iranian ports.

Regional tensions widened after Saudi Arabia announced it intercepted three drones entering from Iraqi airspace. The development came a day after a drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates. UAE authorities said the attack hit an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the facility and confirmed there was no radioactive leak or injuries.

Meanwhile, Israel continued military operations in southern Lebanon despite the extension of a fragile ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces issued new evacuation warnings for several towns before launching strikes in multiple areas, including Az-Zrariyah and Tayr Debba. Lebanese media reported casualties and significant damage following the raids.

In Washington, divisions over policy towards Iran also intensified. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to intensify pressure on Iran, including targeting its energy sector. At the same time, former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene warned against sending US troops into Iran, saying such a move could trigger political unrest in the United States.

Israeli media reported that dozens of US cargo planes carrying ammunition had recently arrived in Tel Aviv from military bases in Germany. Reports also suggested Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed direct confrontation with Iran and may participate in future strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.

Global markets reacted nervously to the continuing uncertainty. Concerns over stalled diplomacy and possible disruption to regional oil supplies pushed Brent crude prices to nearly $111 per barrel, close to recent highs.

The conflict has continued to fuel instability across the Middle East, with diplomatic efforts struggling to produce a breakthrough as both military operations and political rhetoric intensify.