WATCH: White House says U.S. will strike Iran 'harder' than ever if talks are unproductive

The White House warned it will strike Iran "harder" than ever if diplomatic talks fail to produce results, as Iran rejected an American ceasefire proposal for the Middle East conflict and launched additional attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab nations. Iran responded to the U.S. plan with its own counterproposal, signaling both sides remain far apart on terms for de-escalation. The escalating rhetoric and Iranian military action underscore the risk of direct military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran amid the broader regional conflict. Talks aimed at halting Middle East hostilities have repeatedly stalled, with both Washington and Tehran accusing the other of bad faith negotiation. The Trump administration's explicit threat of military strikes represents a hardening of U.S. posture as diplomatic efforts continue.