White House warns Iran of escalating strikes if it spurns peace deal

The White House warned Tuesday that President Trump will intensify military strikes against Iran if Tehran refuses to accept defeat and negotiate an end to the conflict, now in its fourth week.

The ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt work to broker negotiations, with the administration simultaneously claiming talks are making progress and threatening greater military force.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued the warning at a press briefing, according to Reuters.

"President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again," Leavitt said.

Leavitt spelled out the consequences of continued resistance. "If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before," she said.

Reuters reported that Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are serving as mediators. Iran received a U.S. proposal with an initially negative response but has since been reviewing it, according to Reuters.

Despite the combative tone, Leavitt insisted diplomacy has not stalled. "Talks continue. They are productive, as the President said on Monday, and they continue to be," she said.

The White House warnings come as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its second month with no ceasefire in sight and multiple regional powers racing to broker a settlement.