‘Clock is ticking’: Trump warns Iran as US weighs next steps after fragile ceasefire

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday that “the clock is ticking” and called on Tehran to move quickly toward a new agreement, after he met with senior national security officials to discuss whether to revive military action after a fragile ceasefire in West Asia.

“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The message underscored Trump's growing frustration with stalled diplomacy weeks after a ceasefire paused fighting involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Tensions remain high across the region and both Washington and Tehran appear far apart on key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Trump met Saturday with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and special envoy Steve Witkoff at his golf club in Virginia, reported CNN, citing a person familiar with the meeting. The officials discussed possible next steps in the conflict and are expected to meet again early this week.

Trump has grown increasingly impatient with Tehran’s handling of negotiations and has voiced concern about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies.

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran has held but remains precarious.

Diplomatic efforts to secure a longer-term settlement have stalled, and fighting has intensified between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon despite a nominal truce there.

A drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the United Arab Emirates’ only nuclear power facility. UAE authorities described the incident as an “unprovoked terrorist attack.”

There were no injuries and no release of radiation, according to local media reports.

The UAE Defense Ministry said three drones entered its airspace from the direction of Saudi Arabia, with two intercepted. The ministry said it was investigating who launched the drones.

Diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash said on social media that the attack, whether carried out directly or through proxies, marked “a dangerous escalation.”

Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and later said it intercepted three drones that entered from Iraqi airspace.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials are reportedly coordinating with the United States on a possible resumption of military strikes.

Speaking to his Cabinet on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was “prepared for any scenario” involving Iran.

On the Iranian side, there are no public signs that leaders are ready to make significant concessions.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the United States has demanded Tehran surrender 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, limit operations to one nuclear facility and accept that Washington would not compensate Iran for wartime damage.

The report said the US also declined to release a substantial portion of Iran’s frozen assets abroad.

According to the report, Iran said it would return to talks only if regional military operations end, sanctions are lifted, frozen assets are released, compensation is paid for war damage and Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is recognised.

The proposals were reportedly exchanged through mediation by Pakistan.

The conflicting demands suggest that, despite the pause in fighting, prospects for a comprehensive agreement remain uncertain.