US Iran war live: Trump warns Iran deal must improve or US will ‘finish the job’

US President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran must reach a deal on terms acceptable to Washington or face further escalation, stating, 'Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal. So far they haven't gotten there... we're not satisfied with it, but we will be. We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job.' His comments came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that diplomacy remains the priority, though Trump acknowledged 'other options' if talks stall. Rubio noted 'some progress' in negotiations, adding that developments could unfold soon. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian engaged in diplomatic discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed hope for a swift conclusion to a US-Iran peace deal. The exchange highlighted regional efforts to stabilize tensions amid ongoing negotiations. In parallel, Israel intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, declaring all areas south of the Zahrani River combat zones and ordering residents to evacuate. The Israeli military warned of 'extreme force' against Hezbollah, following earlier displacement orders in Tyre and nearby villages. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in the region killed 31 people on Tuesday, despite a fragile truce. Trump also dismissed claims that Iran was leveraging US midterm elections to delay negotiations, insisting, 'I don’t care about the midterms.' He reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to all nations, signaling a firm stance on regional maritime control. Rubio reinforced the administration’s preference for a negotiated solution, stating that Washington would 'prefer the diplomatic route' but remains prepared for alternative measures if required.