President Donald Trump said Friday he has not yet decided on launching a major new round of strikes against Iran, noting that Tehran appears to be getting “more and more serious” in ongoing talks with Washington.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated: “Look, we’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by, for maybe the obvious reason.” He added that the U.S. remains “locked and loaded and ready to go,” but is giving diplomacy a chance while keeping maximum pressure on the table.

Trump emphasized that Iran faces a clear choice: reach a deal or face a “much higher level” of strikes following nearly two weeks of sustained U.S. military operations. He reiterated that his red line remains Iran approaching nuclear weapons capability.

The comments come after reports that Trump met with senior advisors to discuss a large-scale operation. The ongoing conflict, now nearing its fifth month, has strained U.S. resources and impacted the President’s approval ratings ahead of the November midterms. Iranian strikes on U.S. bases have also resulted in American casualties.

Trump separately addressed Russia and China, expressing confidence that neither nation is arming Iran despite intelligence reports to the contrary. He cited direct assurances from Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

The administration continues to balance military pressure with diplomatic efforts, aiming to secure the Strait of Hormuz and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The coming days will reveal whether Tehran’s newfound seriousness leads to real concessions or is simply another stalling tactic.