Trump, facing a critical decision on Iran: three scenarios that can change the course of the conflict
President Donald Trump faces three difficult options on the conflict with Iran after canceling peace talks and rejecting a last-minute offer from Tehran, according to US media reports.
US President, Donald Trump/PHOTO: EPA/EFE
According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House leader could choose between escalating the conflict, using economic pressure — including by blocking the Strait of Hormuz — or accepting a deal he does not consider favorable.
In remarks made on Sunday, Trump said that Iran's oil infrastructure could suffer major damage in just days. He suggested that certain pipelines could “explode from the inside”, without providing concrete evidence for these claims.
The tensions come at an already volatile time. On Saturday night, Trump was evacuated under increased security, along with the first lady, after gunfire was reported during an official event in Washington. Despite the incident, he reiterated that his goal remains to reach an agreement with Iran.
The global economic impact is increasing
Earlier, the president had announced the cancellation of a planned trip to Pakistan, where his emissaries were to participate in indirect talks with Iranian officials. Trump cited “confusion and infighting” in the Iranian leadership as the main reason for the decision.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Islamabad, however, where he held meetings with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to official statements, the talks focused on the basic conditions for possible negotiations, and Tehran reaffirmed its red lines.
Shortly after canceling the visit, Trump said Iran had submitted a new proposal, which he described as “better” but still insufficient. Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the existence of this offer.
In parallel, officials in Tehran reiterated that they are not ready for a new round of direct negotiations, accusing Washington of maintaining “maximalist” demands, including regarding the nuclear program. Iran has also rejected the idea of giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium.
A fragile truce is in place, temporarily reducing the level of confrontation. However, the global economic impact is accentuated amid the disruption of oil, liquefied natural gas and other essential resources shipments in the context of restrictions in the Gulf area.
It remains uncertain whether diplomatic efforts will resume in the near future, although sources cited by American media suggest that a possible meeting between high-ranking officials is not ruled out.
