As Axios reminds, Donald Trump was close to ordering a strike against regime targets in Iran at the beginning of the month, after the brutal suppression of protests and the death of thousands of protesters. Ultimately, however, he withheld the decision while strengthening the American military presence in the Middle East. White House officials emphasize that the military option still remains on the table.
What are Iran's intentions towards the US?
What did Donald Trump say about sending military forces?
What options remain on the table in the context of action against Iran?
When will the next consultations on the situation in Iran take place?
According to Axios sources familiar with the matter US President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision and is scheduled to hold further consultations in the coming days, during which he will be presented with additional action scenarios.
Tension around the situation in Iran is growing. Donald Trump: They called repeatedly
As Axios writes, a key element of this pressure is the dispatch of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the regionwhich on Monday entered the area of responsibility of the American CENTCOM command. — We have a big armada next to Iran. Greater than in Venezuela Trump said.
In an interview with the portal, the US president refused to reveal details about possible military options and which solution he considers to be the best. At the same time, he emphasized that he did not rule out the diplomatic route. — They want to get along. I know it. They called many times. They want to talk – he said.
Donald Trump's entourage is divided on Iran
Axios adds that there is no unanimity in President Trump's entourage. Some advisers are pushing for the implementation of the announcement to punish the regime and support the protesters. Others point out that bombing Tehran would provide no strategic benefits, and the current weakening of the Iranian authorities could be used to force a favorable agreement.
According to American officials quoted by Axios, a possible agreement would have to include, among others: removing all enriched uranium from Iran, limiting its arsenal of long-range missiles, changing its policy of supporting regional allies, and banning its own enrichment of uranium. Tehran declares its readiness to talk, but has not signaled acceptance of these conditions.
The shadow of an earlier war in the Middle East. American military on standby
Trump also recalled the events from a year ago, when there was a 12-day war. In his opinion, Iran had “enormous missile power” at its disposal and could have attacked Israel first. — If there were a different president, Iran would have nuclear weapons today and would strike first – he assessed.
According to US and Israeli intelligence Iran would need about two weeks to enrich enough uranium to military grade and several months to construct a primitive nuclear warhead. Although the nuclear infrastructure was severely damaged in the airstrikes, the fate of the uranium stockpile remains unclear.
As Axios adds, The American military is preparing for a possible order from the White House. In addition to the aircraft carrier, additional F-15 and F-35 fighters, refueling aircraft and air defense systems were sent to the region. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper visited Israel over the weekend to coordinate military plans and possible joint defense efforts in the event of an Iranian attack.
