Iran is expected to respond on Thursday to a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to regional sources quoted by CNN. The development comes as US President Donald Trump increases pressure on Tehran to accept a peace deal.

Sources close to the negotiations said Iran has reviewed the American proposal “thoroughly”. One source, who spoke anonymously, said both sides are moving closer to an agreement.

Trump Warns Iran of Fresh Bombing

Trump warned Iran that the US could launch stronger attacks if Tehran rejects the deal.

He said Iran may face “more bombings” if talks fail. Shortly after his warning, the US Central Command announced action against an Iranian-flagged vessel that allegedly violated the American blockade near Iranian ports.

In a social media statement on Wednesday, the US Central Command said American forces fired several rounds and “disabled the tanker’s rudder” after the vessel tried to breach the blockade.

Trump also posted a message on Truth Social. Referring to the joint US-Israeli military campaign launched earlier this year, he wrote: “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is perhaps a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end.”

He added: “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before."

Israel Says It Is Ready

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready for every possible situation. Before speaking with Trump on Wednesday evening, Netanyahu released a video statement through his office and said Israel was “prepared for all scenarios”.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also reacted strongly to the US pressure campaign. He accused Washington of trying to force Iran into surrender through military and economic pressure.

“The enemy, in its new design, is seeking, through a naval blockade, economic pressure and media manipulation, to destroy the country’s cohesion in order to force us to surrender,” Ghalibaf said in a message posted on Telegram.

Talks Continue Despite Tensions

Earlier on Wednesday, Axios reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum designed to stop the conflict. The report said the US expects Iran to respond to key points in the proposal within 48 hours.

Officials in Pakistan also told The Guardian that negotiators could reach an initial framework soon. However, they said talks remain difficult and uncertain.

On Tuesday, Trump ordered an indefinite pause in a US naval mission that aimed to help commercial ships move through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s response is now expected to decide whether the region moves closer to peace or faces further escalation.