President Donald Trump warned Iranian negotiators to "get serious soon" about ending the current conflict, threatening consequences if diplomatic efforts fail. Trump made the comments in a Truth Social post on Thursday, stating negotiators must act "before it is too late" or "it won't be pretty."

Trump held a Cabinet meeting Thursday morning amid the escalating situation, marking the first meeting for new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The meeting comes as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, with nearly 500 airport security staff having quit during the ongoing funding standoff.

Iran dismissed a U.S. ceasefire proposal on Wednesday and submitted its own negotiation plan, with Iran's foreign minister stating Tehran has "no intention of negotiating for now." Diplomatic intermediaries are working to keep communication channels open between the two countries.

According to official reports from each country, the conflict has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths in Lebanon, more than 1,500 in Iran, and 16 in Israel. Additional casualties have been reported in the West Bank and Gulf Arab states, with experts warning of a collapse in healthcare access in affected regions.

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing contingency plans that could include ground troop deployment and expanded military operations, according to sources cited by Axios. The diplomatic and military tensions continue as both sides maintain their positions in the ongoing standoff.