Tensions are rising in Washington as U.S. President Donald Trump seriously considers resuming airstrikes against Iran.

According to Axios and CBS News on the 22nd (local time), President Trump is considering launching additional airstrikes if Iran does not accept the 'final proposal' delivered by the U.S. on the 20th. That morning, a meeting of senior national security officials was convened at the White House to review the progress of the negotiations and response scenarios in the event of a breakdown. Attendees included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine were absent due to scheduling conflicts.

According to multiple sources, President Trump recently expressed strong dissatisfaction with the stalemate in the negotiations. During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 19th, he emphasized a diplomatic solution, but shifted direction toward a military option on the night of the 21st. It was also reported that a plan to declare a 'decisive victory' through a large-scale military operation was discussed. The United States has engaged in indirect negotiations since the temporary ceasefire began on April 8, but on the 20th, it presented a final proposal to Iran, warning that military action could resume if it is rejected. Although President Trump mentioned on the 22nd that 'Iran wants a deal,' it remains unclear whether a final decision will be made.

This urgent atmosphere is also affecting holiday schedules. Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday on the 25th, a significant number of government officials have canceled their personal plans. President Trump also scrapped his plan to rest in New Jersey after a speech in New York and returned to the White House. He announced via the social media platform Truth Social that he would also cancel his attendance at his eldest son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding. Defense and intelligence authorities are also preparing for the possibility of retaliation, such as updating the overseas base mobilization rosters to coincide with the rotation schedule for some U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East.

Efforts to find a diplomatic solution are also ongoing. Pakistani Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir visited Tehran on the 22nd, and a Qatari delegation has also stepped in to mediate. General Munir is scheduled to meet with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi on the 23rd.

However, the negotiations remain deadlocked. The Iranian foreign ministry stated that an agreement is not imminent, and Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, also reported that discussions on key sticking points are ongoing. The U.S. side also assessed that there is limited progress, with only a repeated exchange of drafts. Axios analyzed that 'the next 24 hours could be the turning point,' adding, 'barring any unforeseen variables, President Trump is leaning toward military action.'