Trump Warns Iran Will Have 'Very Bad Time' If Peace Deal Not Reached; Aides Signal Resumed Combat 'More Seriously' Considered — Day 79

President Trump issued a direct public warning to Iran on May 17, 2026 (Day 79), stating that Tehran would have a 'very bad time' if a peace deal is not reached soon — escalating pressure following his May 16 nuclear proposal that demanded enrichment halt, HEU transfer to a third country, and international monitoring. Trump's warning came on the same day Iran unveiled its formal Hormuz toll plan, suggesting Tehran was moving in the opposite direction from the conditions Trump requires. Background reporting indicated Trump aides had signaled to journalists that Trump was 'more seriously considering a resumption of major combat operations' than in recent weeks — the strongest suggestion of potential military resumption since Rubio declared Operation Epic Fury 'effectively over' on May 5. The dual-track pressure (diplomatic proposal + military threat) mirrors the pattern of previous ultimatums in the conflict, including the April 6 energy infrastructure deadline and the March 26 Hormuz 48-hour ultimatum. Iran has not formally responded to Trump's May 16 nuclear proposal as of the end of Day 79. Iran's Supreme Leader advisor Shamkhani stated on May 16 that Tehran is 'ready to sign the nuclear deal in exchange for the quick removal of all financial sanctions,' but Iranian institutional behavior — the Hormuz toll plan, continued IRGC maritime operations, drone strikes on UAE nuclear infrastructure — moves counter to the signals required for a deal. The core structural gap persists: US demands enrichment halt + verification first; Iran demands sanctions removal first.