CNN reported, citing informed sources, that some advisers to US President Donald Trump now believe he is giving more serious consideration to resuming military action against Iran than at any point in recent weeks.
According to the report, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated over Iran’s continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the direct impact this has had on global energy markets and soaring oil prices.
The latest Iranian response to a US proposal presented during Pakistan-mediated negotiations aimed at permanently ending the war reportedly intensified Trump’s anger, with the US president describing Tehran’s reply as “completely unacceptable”.
Growing Doubts Over Iran’s Intentions
CNN stated that Iran’s response has led several officials within the Trump administration to question whether Tehran is genuinely interested in reaching a negotiated settlement with Washington.
Iran’s reply reportedly focused on ending the war across all fronts, particularly in Lebanon, while also demanding compensation for wartime damages and reaffirming Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran also called on the United States to end its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports, guarantee that no further attacks would take place, lift economic sanctions, and remove restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
Trump previously warned that Iran’s response threatened the ceasefire that has been in place since 7 April following a war that lasted nearly 40 consecutive days. He also threatened renewed military operations against Tehran, a move strongly backed by Israel.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was prepared to respond decisively to any “aggressive action”.
Division Inside the Trump Administration
CNN indicated that divisions have emerged inside the Trump administration over how to approach Iran in the coming phase.
One camp is pushing for increased pressure on Tehran, including limited military strikes designed to strengthen Washington’s negotiating position. Another camp continues to support diplomacy and wants to give negotiations more time.
Regarding the Pakistani mediation effort, CNN sources said several figures close to Trump prefer Pakistani mediators to adopt a firmer stance in delivering Washington’s messages, while some US officials have questioned the effectiveness of their role altogether.
On Monday, Trump held a meeting with his national security team at the White House to review available options for dealing with Iran amid mounting frustration over the stalled political process.
No Immediate Strategic Decision Expected
Despite the escalating rhetoric, CNN quoted sources saying it is unlikely that any major strategic decision or final determination on next steps will be made before Trump departs for China on Tuesday afternoon.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With growing international pressure to contain the war and limit its impact on global energy markets, Iran is expected to be one of the central topics discussed during talks between Trump and Xi.
Trump is reportedly hoping China will use its influence over Tehran to push Iran toward reaching a nuclear agreement with Washington amid continued deadlock in negotiations.
On Monday, the United States also imposed sanctions on individuals and companies accused of helping Iran ship oil to China, part of Washington’s broader effort to cut funding to Tehran’s military and nuclear programmes.
