President Donald Trump is set to hold a Cabinet meeting at the White House after canceling plans to gather senior officials at Camp David, as tensions with Iran and nuclear negotiations remain in focus. Trump claimed Iran is struggling in talks, saying the country is “negotiating on fumes” and “they want very much to make a deal.” He added, “So far, they haven’t gotten there, we’re not satisfied with it, but we will be.”

The president also warned that if diplomacy fails, stronger action could follow. “We will be. Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job,” Trump said, arguing that Iran’s military capabilities have already been heavily weakened. He insisted that Americans agree on one issue, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” and dismissed political concerns by saying, “‘We’ll out wait him. He’s got the midterms.’ I don’t care about the midterms.”

Military experts say Iran’s reported attempt to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz shows it is trying to increase pressure during negotiations. Former CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel said, “Clearly the Iranians are trying to hedge their bets here and put more pressure on the U.S.,” while praising the quick military response and suggesting that both force and diplomacy will be necessary.

Security analysts also warned that any agreement would involve an unusual process because Iran’s supreme leader remains hidden. Dr. Omar Mohammed said, “Khamenei is a designated target, and every confirmed sighting is a coordinate,” adding that “The courier system used for messaging is not transitional. It is the operating system of his rule.”

Meanwhile, reports claim Iran wants $24 billion in frozen funds released as part of a possible deal, with half paid immediately and the rest over 60 days. Despite the tensions, financial markets remained relatively calm, with investors expecting the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and oil prices to ease in the near future.