Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday issued a stern warning to Iran, urging the nation to "get serious" about finalizing a peace deal with the United States and Israel "before it is too late." The call comes as the Trump administration looks for a resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has significant economic implications.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's comments were made via a social media post, in response to Iran's defiance and its reported dismissal of a 15-point U.S. peace proposal. The proposal is said to include demands on Tehran's nuclear and missile programs, among other contentious issues.

Trump criticized the Iranian negotiators, describing them as "very different and 'strange,'" and claimed they were "begging" for a deal. Despite this, he expressed frustration at their public stance, which suggests they are merely "looking at our proposal." He reiterated the urgency of the situation, warning that the opportunity for negotiations could vanish, leading to irreversible consequences.

The U.S. President has temporarily halted plans for military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, allowing time for further negotiations. This decision underscores the administration's desire to avoid a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic chokepoint handles about 20% of the world's oil supply, and its disruption has contributed to rising oil prices and inflation concerns.