The US CENTCOM has drawn up plans for a targeted wave of strikes on Iran aimed at breaking the current diplomatic stalemate, Axios reported citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The proposed action would focus on key infrastructure, followed by renewed pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations.
Despite the plan being ready, Trump has not yet authorised military action. Instead, he has prioritised a naval blockade strategy, which he believes is currently more effective.
“The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Axios.
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Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal to first reopen the Strait of Hormuz before addressing nuclear concerns. He has insisted that any agreement must begin with guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons.
“They want to settle. I don’t want to [lift the blockade], because I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon,” he said, as per Axios.
“The question is whether or not they are gonna go far enough,” he added.
Tensions have already impacted global markets, with oil prices continuing to rise and Brent crude reaching one of its highest levels.
Discussions are underway with oil executives to sustain the blockade while limiting domestic economic fallout, Reuters reported citing a White House official.
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An Iranian security source warned that the blockade “will soon be met with practical and unprecedented action”, as per Axios.
Military retaliation is also expected, as per Reuters.
At the core of the dispute remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran reportedly possesses approximately 440 kilograms of Uranium enriched to 60%, intensifying Western concerns.
Trump advises restraint in Lebanon to Israel’s Netanyahu
Trump has also advised Netanyahu to avoid large-scale destruction in Lebanon as a fragile ceasefire risks collapse.
“I told Netanyahu he has got to do it more surgically. Not knock down buildings. He can’t do it. It is too terrible and makes Israel look bad,” Trump said, as per Axios.
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The ongoing Israeli strikes and Hezbollah attacks have strained the ceasefire, with US officials urging restraint to preserve diplomatic efforts.