Trump Signals New Threats as Iran Raises Readiness, Testing Ceasefire Hopes

US President Donald Trump is sending contradictory signals about a potential deal with Iran, while Tehran raises military readiness, threatening the collapse of ongoing Qatari-mediated ceasefire efforts. Qatari mediation continues in Doha amid a wide gap between Washington and Tehran. Trump mentions progress but doubts Iran's trustworthiness, keeping the military option open. Reports indicate preparations for new strikes on Iran possibly after the US midterm elections, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Trump still prefers diplomacy. Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered armed forces to prepare for a broad response without geographic limits to any new US or Israeli attack. Key pressure point remains the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington demanding free navigation as part of a broader deal, while Tehran conditions this on ending combat operations, lifting sanctions, and releasing frozen assets.