By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - In a striking display of diplomatic contradiction, US President Donald Trump has simultaneously pleaded with Iran to come to the negotiating table while threatening to seize Iranian assets if Tehran refuses, a mixed message that has left analysts questioning whether Washington is pursuing peace or preparing for deeper conflict.

Trump has indicated that a peace deal could be reached “fairly quickly,” even as US officials confirm that American forces are preparing for potential ground operations in the region. At the same time, during his interview with Financial Times, he has suggested the possibility of targeting or seizing critical Iranian energy infrastructure, including the strategic oil hub of Kharg Island, one of the country’s most important export facilities.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions following widespread strikes and counterstrikes across the region, which analysts say have caused significant disruption to military and economic infrastructure on both sides.

According to regional analysts, Trump’s dual messaging -- calling for talks while threatening key Iranian assets -- reflects a pressure-based strategy aimed at forcing Tehran to the negotiating table.

“This is classic coercive diplomacy,” one analyst noted, arguing that Washington is attempting to increase leverage through the threat of escalation while still leaving room for a diplomatic off-ramp.

However, efforts by mediators, including Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have so far struggled to secure Iran’s direct engagement with Washington. Diplomatic sources say Tehran has expressed deep mistrust toward Trump’s assurances, complicating backchannel efforts to initiate formal talks.

Islamabad has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary, attempting to bring both sides closer to dialogue. However, early efforts reportedly faced resistance from Iran, which initially refused direct engagement with the US due to concerns over reliability and enforcement of any potential agreement.

To address these concerns, mediators are said to be discussing potential security guarantees involving regional powers, including assurances that any agreement would be collectively upheld by multiple states in the event of violations.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Trump reiterated his hardline posture while maintaining that diplomacy remains possible. He suggested that Iranian oil infrastructure could be a strategic lever in negotiations, while also warning that “all options remain on the table.”

Overnight, Trump claimed US forces had struck “many long sought-after targets” in Iran, while Israel reported continued operations around Tehran. Iranian officials, meanwhile, warned they were prepared for a potential ground confrontation, escalating fears of a wider regional war.

The conflict has already begun to ripple through global markets, with oil prices surging above $115 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions. Economists also warn that rising energy costs could increase global food prices, particularly as fertilizer exports face growing constraints.

As tensions continue to escalate, observers say the coming days will determine whether Trump’s blend of pressure and diplomacy leads to negotiations or further confrontation.