WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would decide “very soon” whether to attack Iran or make a deal, escalating his public threats as diplomatic efforts to end the seven-month war remain uncertain. “We have to make that decision: We blow them up or make a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House. Asked how he planned to negotiate with Iranian officials, he replied, “Maybe you blow them up.” Iran said it had received the U.S. government’s formal response to its proposal, which Tehran presented during last week’s United Nations General Assembly. The contents of Washington’s reply were not disclosed. Iran’s proposal called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz within a week and restarting nuclear talks. In exchange, Tehran sought an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, relief from sanctions on Iranian oil sales, the release of frozen Iranian assets and a ceasefire across all fronts. Trump rejected the offer publicly on Saturday, saying Iran wanted an agreement because it was “losing so badly.” He said he was open to a deal but that Iran’s proposed terms were unacceptable. The Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping route, making its reopening and the status of the blockade central to the negotiations. Any deal would also have to address Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and the wider conflict. Trump’s latest remarks leave open whether the administration will continue negotiations or choose military action.