US President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Iran on Sunday as diplomatic efforts to end months of conflict in the Middle East appeared to edge closer to collapse. Fresh tensions erupted after reports emerged detailing Washington’s demands for restarting nuclear negotiations, while a drone strike near the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear power plant further fuelled fears of a wider regional escalation.Trump issued a stark warning on social media following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signalling growing frustration over stalled talks. “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!” he wrote on Truth Social.The warning came as both Washington and Tehran hardened their positions. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the United States wants Tehran to surrender 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, limit operations to a single nuclear facility, abandon demands for war compensation and accept that most frozen Iranian assets would remain blocked. Iran, in turn, insisted sanctions must be lifted, frozen overseas assets released and military operations across the region halted before talks could resume.
Drone strike near UAE nuclear plant raises alarm
Amid the diplomatic deadlock, a drone strike sparked a fire near the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant, the only operational nuclear facility in the Arab world. UAE authorities described the incident as an “unprovoked terrorist attack”, although no group immediately claimed responsibility.The UAE Defence Ministry said three drones crossed the western border with Saudi Arabia, with two intercepted before reaching their targets. There were no injuries or radiological leaks, while the UAE’s nuclear regulator confirmed that all reactors remained operational.The International Atomic Energy Agency said the strike caused a fire in an electrical generator and temporarily forced one reactor to rely on emergency diesel generators. The $20 billion facility, developed with South Korean support, supplies roughly a quarter of the UAE’s energy needs.“The attack, whether carried out by the principal actor or through one of its proxies, represents a dangerous escalation,” Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, wrote on social media.
Ceasefire under pressure as rhetoric escalates
Iranian officials responded defiantly to Trump’s warning, with senior military adviser Mohsen Rezaei declaring on state television: “Our armed forces’ fingers are on the trigger, while diplomacy is also continuing.”Israeli officials also signalled preparations for renewed conflict. Netanyahu told his Cabinet that Israel was “prepared for any scenario”, while reports suggested Israeli and US officials were discussing possible coordinated military action if negotiations fail.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US and Israel of attempting to destabilise Iran by backing “terrorist groups” during the conflict. Speaking during talks with Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq for refusing to allow their territory to be used for attacks against Iran.Meanwhile, tensions continue to centre on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. Iran has tightened control over maritime movement through the strait, while the US has expanded pressure on Iranian ports through a naval blockade.
