US signals fading patience on Iran deadline but keeps door open to last-minute deal.Summary:US doubts another deadline extensionIran’s response seen as tough but tacticalWhite House views stance as negotiating postureTrump open to any deal outcomeMilitary action may still be delayed if talks progressSituation remains finely balanced between escalation and diplomacyFresh commentary from US officials, cited by Axios, suggests rising uncertainty around the next phase of the US-Iran standoff, with the window for diplomacy narrowing but not yet closed.According to a US official, Washington has doubts about extending the current deadline again, signalling that patience within the administration may be wearing thin after repeated delays. This raises the risk that previously postponed military action could move back into focus if diplomatic progress stalls.At the same time, while the Iranian response to recent US proposals has been characterised as “tough”, the White House is interpreting this not as an outright rejection, but rather as a negotiating tactic aimed at extracting concessions. This distinction is important, as it suggests that backchannel engagement remains active and that both sides may still be probing for a workable compromise.US officials also indicated that President Trump is willing to accept a deal that can be reached, underscoring a pragmatic approach to negotiations. That said, there is lingering uncertainty over whether Tehran is prepared to finalise an agreement, particularly given the mixed signals seen in recent weeks, with Iran alternating between denying talks and acknowledging indirect communication through intermediaries.Crucially, the US is keeping optionality around military action. Officials noted that Trump could still delay any planned operation against Iran if there is a credible pathway toward an agreement. This reinforces the now-familiar dual-track strategy of maintaining pressure while leaving the door open for diplomacy.Overall, the latest messaging points to a finely balanced situation. While the tone suggests increasing urgency and some erosion of willingness to extend timelines, the presence of ongoing negotiations and conditional flexibility on military action indicates that a deal remains possible, albeit far from guaranteed. This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.