Donald Trump concluded his China visit after talks with Xi Jinping as reports emerged
May 16, 2026: US President Donald Trump concluded his visit to China on Friday after holding key discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, while reports suggested that Washington is preparing fresh military options against Iran if the current ceasefire collapses. According to reports, the US military is considering renaming any renewed operation against Iran as “Operation Sledgehammer” if large-scale strikes resume. The US had earlier paused “Operation Epic Fury” following a ceasefire agreement reached in April to continue diplomatic negotiations.
Tensions remain high as negotiations between Tehran and Washington have reportedly stalled. Trump recently dismissed Iran’s response to a US peace proposal as “garbage” and reiterated his demand that Iran stop pursuing highly enriched uranium and nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran, however, continues to insist that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. Reports also suggest that the US and Israel have begun preparations for potential fresh strikes targeting Iranian military sites and infrastructure if diplomacy fails.
Officials cited in reports said one option under consideration includes intensified bombing campaigns, while another involves deploying Special Operations forces to target underground nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran’s armed forces were ready to respond strongly to any aggression. The fragile ceasefire and continuing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz have also heightened concerns over global energy security and the possibility of a wider regional conflict in West Asia.