Iran has warned of significant surprises and the opening of "new fronts" should the United States launch further attacks, as President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum, demanding a deal within "two to three days." The escalating rhetoric comes on day 82 of the ongoing conflict, which has already triggered a global energy crisis.

This warning from Tehran follows statements from US Vice President JD Vance, who indicated that diplomatic efforts to end the war are making "a lot of progress." However, Vance also cautioned that the US remains prepared to resume military operations if negotiations falter, underscoring the precarious state of the current diplomacy.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that Tehran would respond to new US attacks with "new equipment and new methods," signaling a readiness for escalated retaliation. Meanwhile, US President Trump expressed confidence in a swift resolution, claiming Iran is eager to reach an agreement. His remarks coincided with the US Senate advancing a War Powers Resolution that would necessitate congressional approval for sustained military action against Iran.

The implications of these developments are far-reaching. The G7 finance ministers, meeting in Paris, pledged enhanced economic coordination to mitigate the risks associated with the protracted conflict. However, the talks also exposed underlying tensions between the US and some of its allies regarding the war's handling.

Adding to the diplomatic landscape, Chinese President Xi Jinping is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their discussions are expected to focus on energy and weapons agreements, with the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine casting a significant shadow over the proceedings. The international community watches closely as major global powers navigate the complex geopolitical fallout.

In a related development, Iranian authorities released Shahab Dalili, an Iranian citizen and US permanent resident, after a decade of imprisonment in Tehran's Evin Prison. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that Dalili has since returned to the United States, marking a potential humanitarian gesture amidst the heightened tensions.

Questions linger regarding the ultimate outcome of Trump's deadline and the true extent of progress in the US-Iran negotiations. Journalist Alex Marquardt noted that President Trump's patience appears to be diminishing, despite mediation efforts, raising concerns about a potential resumption of US strikes if talks stall.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, Israeli attacks reportedly resulted in 19 fatalities, according to the Lebanese health ministry, highlighting the regional instability exacerbated by the conflict.