Khaberni - US administration officials reported that President Donald Trump is leaning towards resolving the Iranian issue through a diplomatic route that would end the ongoing conflict, while keeping the option of force if necessary.
Axios quoted a US official as saying that President Trump "is tired of the issue and wants to end it," clarifying that Trump dislikes Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and its use as a tool of pressure against the United States and the Middle East.
Regarding whether things might escalate to a new military conflict, the official added, "Trump no longer wants to fight, but he will do so if he feels compelled."
Diplomatic Confusion
In the context of preparations for a second round of negotiations in "Islamabad," a state of diplomatic confusion prevailed, as Trump announced that his deputy Vance was on his way to sign the agreement, while the latter was still waiting in Washington for final confirmations from the Iranian side who suspended participation by stopping the blockade.
Trump also previously provided incorrect information to the press regarding Iran's agreement to give up its nuclear stockpile without financial compensation, whereas the actual negotiations involved releasing $20 billion of frozen funds in exchange for stopping enrichment.
The White House is monitoring the economic outcomes of the blockade on Iran, as Trump's team believes that Tehran is suffering from real economic devastation that might push it to accept the agreement.
While Trump insists that he will not do it, officials in the administration say it is likely that he will lift the freeze on Iranian funds in exchange for a suitable deal, while one official said that the Iranian government is "bankrupt," adding: "They want money, and sanctions lifted."
A US official said, "We would like to keep some conditions linked to that, especially regarding future enrichment and reopening the strait, and perhaps obtaining dust, but we are still prepared to get the dust ourselves."
The scenario remains open to all possibilities as the ceasefire expiry approaches, with military escalation options still on the table, including the potential targeting of the strategic island of "Khark" if Trump decides to move to what officials described as "phase three" should the political route fail amidst a deep trust crisis between Tehran and Washington.
