Trump warns Iran the 'clock is ticking' as he issues most direct threat yet amid stalled peace talks

By VICTORIA CHURCHILL, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 20:23, 17 May 2026 | Updated: 20:23, 17 May 2026 Donald Trump unleashed his most menacing threat yet to Iran as peace talks stalled. The President took to Truth Social on Sunday to issue the blistering tirade. 'For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving Fast, or there won't be anything left of them,' Trump wrote. 'Time Is Of The Essence! President DJT.' The Commander in Chief's message sparked fears he may resume strikes on Iran if they do not come to an agreement with the US to end the prolonged conflict. Trump's message came as he was set to speak with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday afternoon to discuss the latest developments in the region. An Israeli official told Axios the two discussed Iran, and the outlet also reported that Trump's national security team is expected to meet on Tuesday. Iranian media reported Sunday that the Trump administration had offered no meaningful concessions in response to the Iranian regime's latest proposals, raising fears that negotiations could crumble. The warning came after President Trump said the fragile ceasefire was on 'massive life support' and dismissed Iran's counteroffer as 'totally unacceptable.'  President Donald Trump departs the White House on May 12, 2026 in Washington, DC A woman holds an Iranian flag during a pro-government campaign in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, May 17, 2026 A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power plant on Sunday, sparking a fire on its perimeter.  There were no reports of injuries or radiological release, but it highlighted the risk of renewed war as the Iran ceasefire remains tenuous.  No one claimed responsibility, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) did not blame anyone for what it said was an 'unprovoked terrorist attack.'  On domestic soil, Americans are increasingly bearing the cost of the conflict. The Trump administration is under pressure to end the war in Iran as the midterm elections loom, with gas prices rocketing by more than 50 percent to a nationwide average of $4.51 per gallon.  Secretary of War Pete Hegseth tried to avoid giving a clear answer about the cost of conflict during an appearance before lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning. Hegseth appeared before the House Appropriations Committee last week to discuss the Pentagon's budget, alongside Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst and Caine. The Defense Secretary was probed by California Democrat Pete Aguilar to share more details about the budget, to which Hegseth said the Pentagon would 'share what we can when it's relevant and required.' Aguilar then responded that he believes, 'this would be the format that would be required.' President Donald Trump unleashed on Iran in a Truth Social Post on Sunday, May 17, 2026 Hurst told lawmakers that the estimated cost of the war had risen to $29 billion, up from the earlier $25 billion he had presented to lawmakers while appearing on Capitol Hill at the end of April.  'That's because of updated repair and replacement of equipment costs, and also just general operational costs to keep people in theater,' Hurst noted as justification.  Diplomatic efforts for a more durable peace have faltered, and fighting has heated up between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon despite a nominal ceasefire there.  The UAE recently accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks as tensions have risen over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway gripped by Iran, which is under a US naval blockade. Ut has hosted air defenses and personnel from Israel, which sparked the war by attacking Iran with the US on February 28th. Iranian state television, meanwhile, aired segments with news anchors holding rifles in an effort to prepare the public for war.  The UAE Defense Ministry said three drones came over its western border with Saudi Arabia, with the other two intercepted. It was investigating who launched them.  Iran and Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq have also launched drone attacks targeting Gulf Arab states in the war. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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