The White House is seriously considering Iran’s proposal for indirect nuclear negotiations, even as U.S. military forces surge into the Middle East, preparing for the possibility of military strikes ordered by President Donald Trump, according to a report by Axios. The high-stakes balancing act follows a letter sent from Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which Trump reportedly delivered an ultimatum: two months to secure a new nuclear deal—or face potential consequences. Iran rejected direct talks but left the door open for indirect negotiations, to be brokered by the Gulf nation of Oman, a longtime quiet mediator between Washington and Tehran. “Iran has responded—but not on U.S. terms,” a senior U.S. official told Axios, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “They’re not ready to sit at the table, but they haven’t walked away from it either.” While no decision has yet been made, the White House is reportedly divided: one camp pushes for diplomacy, albeit through indirect channels, while another argues the response is insufficient and urges a more forceful military posture to extract concessions. In anticipation of either outcome, U.S. troop movements and naval deployments are accelerating, signaling that Washington is preparing for both negotiation and confrontation. “We are not naïve,” one defense official noted. “Readiness is not provocation—but it is essential.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)