Iran war briefing: Tehran warns Trump faces ‘many more surprises’ if peace talks fail

WorldPolitics
20 May 2026 • 2:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Iran war briefing: Tehran warns Trump faces ‘many more surprises’ if peace talks fail

  • Iran has warned of “many more surprises” for Donald Trump if US-Israeli attacks resume, stating its military has learned from previous incidents.
  • US vice president JD Vance expressed uncertainty about a peace deal with Tehran, saying the American military was “locked and loaded” for a potential resumption of conflict. Vance acknowledged “lot of good progress” in recent negotiations with Tehran but maintained a cautious outlook.
  • Donald Trump has previously stated he was “an hour away” from ordering “another big hit” on Iran to compel a deal, following a review of peace terms.
  • Meanwhile, Russia has offered its assistance to facilitate talks between the United States and Iran, according to deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov.
  • It comes as a South Korean-flagged supertanker attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The Universal Winner, carrying Kuwaiti crude, began signaling this morning that it was in the strait.

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