US and Iran Exchange Threats and Signals of De-escalation
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high as both nations issued strong warnings alongside mixed signals of de-escalation. US President Donald Trump stated he could end a war quickly, citing “positive progress” and expressing a belief that Tehran wants to make a deal. However, he also warned that military action remains an option.
In response, Iranian officials retorted sharply. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning that any new attack would cause the conflict to spread beyond its current confines. Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister claimed its forces had shot down a US F-35 jet and that the United States had admitted to billions of dollars in military hardware losses.
Meanwhile, in a related domestic development, the US Senate passed a resolution to limit the president’s authority to wage war against Iran without obtaining congressional approval.
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Updated: 6:43 PM PKT — May 20, 2026
Amidst new international de-escalation efforts, Russia and China have issued a joint call for dialogue, and an Omani official reportedly visited Tehran to discuss negotiations. Iranian officials warned of ‘surprises’ and that any new attack would expand the war beyond the region, even as it was confirmed the foreign minister will travel to the US for a security council meeting.
