Tensions between Iran and the United States appear to be escalating as prospects for renewed conflict were described as "likely" by a senior Iranian military official on Saturday. This statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with a recent Iranian negotiating proposal aimed at resolving ongoing disputes.

Iran submitted the new draft to mediator Pakistan on Thursday evening, though details of its contents have not been made public. Trump told reporters that he was "not satisfied with what they’re offering," attributing the stalled negotiations in part to "tremendous discord" within Iran’s leadership. He posed a rhetorical choice between military action and diplomatic negotiations, indicating a preference for the latter “on a human basis,” but leaving open the possibility of a more forceful response.

Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a senior figure in Iran’s military central command, was quoted by Iran’s Fars news agency as saying that evidence suggests the United States has been unreliable in honoring previous agreements. Similarly, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Iran’s judiciary chief, emphasized that while Iran has not shied away from talks, it will reject any imposed peace terms perceived as unfavorable.

The White House has not disclosed specifics of Iran’s latest proposal. However, U.S. news reports indicate that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff submitted amendments to an earlier offer, including measures to put Iran’s nuclear program back into negotiations. Among these amendments are demands that Iran refrain from moving enriched uranium from bombed sites or resuming nuclear activities there during the talks.

The announcement of the Iranian proposal briefly caused oil prices to fall nearly 5%, although prices remain elevated—about 50% higher than pre-war levels. This price surge is linked to Iran’s ongoing control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, which Iran has effectively sealed off since the beginning of the conflict. In response, the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.

Despite a ceasefire declared in the Gulf region, hostilities have persisted elsewhere, particularly in Lebanon. Israeli forces have conducted lethal strikes against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, despite an existing truce. The Lebanese health ministry reported that 13 people were killed in southern strikes, including in the town of Habboush, where Israeli military authorities had warned civilians to evacuate.

Meanwhile, in Washington, political debate continues over whether President Trump has exceeded the legal timeframe for seeking congressional authorization for ongoing military operations. Administration officials contend that the current ceasefire imposes a 60-day limit, after which congressional approval would be necessary, a position contested by opposition Democrats.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts and military posturing continue to shape the prospects for peace or further conflict in the region.