Donald Trump Weighs 10-Day Iran Ceasefire or Fresh Military Offensive as US-Iran War Escalates: Report
U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing a critical decision on the escalating military conflict with Iran, assessing whether to endorse a proposed 10-day ceasefire or back a renewed military campaign alongside Israel, according to a report by Axios.
U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing a critical decision on the escalating military conflict with Iran, assessing whether to endorse a proposed 10-day ceasefire or back a renewed military campaign alongside Israel, according to a report by Axios. The diplomatic proposal, put forward by regional mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan, seeks to establish a temporary cooling-off period between Washington and Tehran. Under the proposed framework, both sides would halt military operations to allow commercial shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz to reopen while negotiators work toward a long-term agreement on maritime security.
The draft agreement reportedly includes options for long-term shipping arrangements, such as permitting Iran and Oman to collect service fees or establishing a joint international fund under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, neither Washington nor Tehran has formally accepted the proposal. The U.S. has simultaneously increased its military footprint in the region, deploying additional fighter aircraft and aerial refueling assets. At the same time, Israeli forces are reportedly preparing for the possibility of a broader military campaign should diplomatic negotiations break down. US-Iran War: IRGC Attacks Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz as US Launches 10th Night of Airstrikes.
Negotiations hit a setback following a recent Iranian missile strike in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of American service members. The incident prompted renewed U.S. military strikes against Iranian targets and a naval blockade, raising doubts about the immediate viability of a truce. Addressing the situation, a senior U.S. official stated that President Trump remains focused on holding Iran accountable for actions in the Strait of Hormuz and for attacks targeting American personnel, emphasizing that military operations would continue until a final determination is made by the administration. Houthis Ban Saudi Shipping, Threaten to Shut Bab al-Mandeb Strait Amid Red Sea Tensions.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran had received proposals from regional mediators. While declining to detail the specific terms, Baghaei stated that Iran’s armed forces remain prepared to respond to any continued U.S. military action. U.S. officials indicate that President Trump has not yet made a final decision, with the coming days expected to determine whether the White House pursues a diplomatic pause or expands military operations in the region.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 10:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
