Trump warns that the clock is ticking for Iran

2026-05-18 12:56:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that "the clock is ticking" as talks to end the war have stalled.

"They better move, FAST, or there will be nothing left of them," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. "TIME IS OF THE ESSENTIAL!"

The message came as the president spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, the Times of Israel reported, citing Netanyahu's office.

On Monday, Iran said it had responded to the latest US proposal and that exchanges with Washington were continuing through Pakistani intermediaries.

"As we announced yesterday, our concerns were conveyed to the American side," the country's foreign ministry spokesman said at a press conference, AFP reported.

Iranian media previously reported that the US had failed to make any concrete concessions to Tehran, with the semi-official Mehr news agency saying that the lack of compromise would lead to a "deadlock in negotiations".

Trump's message reflected his threat that an "entire civilization" would die if Iran did not agree to a deal to end the war, shortly before a ceasefire was declared in early April.

The president warned earlier this week that the ceasefire was on "massive life support" after rejecting Tehran's demands, labeling them "totally unacceptable." Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, later insisted they were "responsible" and "generous."

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the Iranian demands included an immediate end to the war on all fronts - a reference to the ongoing Israeli attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon - an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and guarantees of no further attacks on Iran.

They also reportedly included a demand for compensation for war damages and an emphasis on Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said on Sunday that Washington had set five conditions in response to Tehran's proposal.

They reportedly included a demand that Iran keep only one nuclear power plant operating and transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium to the US.

Trump suggested on Friday that he would accept a 20-year suspension by Iran of its nuclear program - a major sticking point between the two countries - in what appeared to be confirmation of a shift in stance away from a demand for a complete end to it.

Israeli and US forces launched massive airstrikes on Iran on February 28. The ceasefire intended to facilitate talks has been largely respected despite occasional exchanges of fire.

Iran has also continued to control the Strait of Hormuz, effectively closing the vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas travels.

The move, which Iran has called revenge for US and Israeli attacks, has sent oil prices soaring globally./CNA, translated by BBC