U.S. tells Iran to make a deal amid Russia, Iran naval drills

Amid reports that the White House would reach a deal with Iran, the Trump administration warned that it would be “very smart” for Iran to strike a deal. taking into consideration A new military operation against Tehran this weekend.

This statement came shortly after Vice President J.D. Vance accused Iran of failing to meet basic US demands at nuclear talks in Switzerland this week. Iran’s foreign minister had previously reported progress in the talks and said the two countries had agreed on “guiding principles” for the talks.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that there are “many reasons and arguments that may require an attack against Iran” and noted that the two countries remain “very far apart” on some issues.

Leavitt said the US president carried out a “very successful” operation last June in which US stealth bombers hit three Iranian nuclear facilities as part of “Operation Midnight Tow Truck”.

“The President has always been very clear that diplomacy is always the first option when dealing with Iran or any country in the world. And it would be very wise to make a deal with Iran, President Trump and this administration,” Leavitt said. he said.

The White House said it still hopes to reach a diplomatic solution over Tehran’s nuclear program; reported It was said that the army could be ready to strike Iran as early as the weekend.

While the USA has a significant air and naval presence, Iran also conducted military exercises in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. announced Joint naval exercises with Russia in the Arabian Sea.

Laura James, Oxford Analytica’s senior Middle East analyst, called the current situation “extremely dangerous” and said the United States and Iran are “definitely closer” to an open conflict than they were last week.

“What’s particularly concerning over the last 24 hours is the pace at which the United States has been reinforcing its air power in the region. That, of course, could still be the signal and pressure for a certain diplomatic outcome,” James told CNBC’s “Access Middle East” on Thursday. he said.

“But as more and more aircraft and more equipment come in, that signaling becomes more and more expensive. So the payoff you want for that in terms of diplomacy has to be greater — and there’s no sign that Tehran can offer the absolute minimum that Washington is likely to demand,” he added.

oil prices

Energy market participants are closely watching the results of the US-Iran talks in Geneva, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a key international waterway that Iran partially closed on Tuesday for “security measures”.

The Strait of Hormuz, located in the gulf between Oman and Iran, is considered one of the most important oil transit points in the world.

About 13 million barrels of crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz per day in 2025, accounting for about 31% of the global seaborne crude oil flow, according to data provided by market intelligence firm Kpler.

Oil prices rose on Thursday, extending gains after rising more than 4% in the previous session.

International comparison Brent Crude oil futures for April delivery rose 1.5% to $71.41 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate Futures contracts for March delivery rose 1.7% to $66.27.

— CNBC’s Lee Ying Shan contributed to this report.