As the stalemate between Washington and Tehran drags on and the world waits in hope of a deal, the very real possibility of an alternate outcome – the resumption of war – looms overhead.

Iran has rejected further negotiations unless the U.S. blockade is lifted, but President Trump has said he won't do so until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal.

President Donald Trump on Thursday said that no one knows the status of talks with Iran aside from himself and a handful of others. Follow for live updates.

WASHINGTON — Iran is taking advantage of the ceasefire with the U.S. to dig out its weapons.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a U.S. president needs to withdraw troops 60 days after reporting their deployment to Congress

The defense secretary testified on the eve of the 60-day mark of the war, a major statutory deadline for the president to withdraw forces or seek approval from Congress to continue the fight.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted an ongoing ceasefire “pauses” the clock on the 60-day deadline to end hostilities in Iran or seek congressional approval.

Trump's announcement came after an expected trip by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for a peace talks with Iranian officials was put on hold.

Meanwhile, benchmark Brent crude for June delivery reached as much as $126 a barrel in trading on Thursday as Iran maintains its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all crude oil and natural gas traded passes.

President Donald Trump has shared a seemingly AI-generated image of himself holding an assault rifle with the caption ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’ as he warned Iran it “better get smart” over a non-nuclear deal.