War between the United States and Iran is approaching, and there are many factors suggesting that President Donald Trump may soon take action in this direction – we read on the American website.
What are the reasons for the closeness of the US war with Iran?
What contributed to the increase in tensions between the US and Iran?
What actions are the Israeli authorities taking in the context of the conflict with Iran?
Is it possible that diplomacy will prevail in this situation?
Six proofs that war is imminent
Trump, who has been trying to reach a nuclear deal with Iran since returning to the White House last year, may, as he did in June, order attacks on Iranian targets, but this time on a larger scale. However, there is still a chance that diplomacy will prevail.
The portal listed six circumstances that prove that both countries are on the brink of war.
First, the US and Iran have been in on-and-off talks for months about concluding an agreement on Tehran's nuclear program. Successive American administrations have been declaring for years that they will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump has repeatedly said he wants a new nuclear deal with Tehran, but the president and his allies have also at times suggested they want regime change.
Axios noted that Trump came close to striking Iran in early January over the regime's killing of thousands of protesters. Trump delayed the decision partly because the United States did not have the same military assets in the region as it did during the 12-day war last year. The president resumed nuclear talks with Iran in January and — at the same time — sent warships and fighter jets to the Persian Gulf.
Moreover, after repeatedly threatening the Iranian regime and sending two aircraft carriers to the region, Trump has raised huge expectations around the world that he will attack Iran if he fails to reach an agreement quickly, Axios noted. There are no signs that an agreement is imminent, and it is out of character for Trump to withdraw now.
Israel ready to strike
The portal also drew attention to pressure from Israel. The Israeli authorities are preparing for the outbreak of war within a few days and are in favor of a large-scale operation.
Axios also emphasized that the current situation on the oil market may prove to be a strategic opportunity for Trump to attack Iran. As noted by the website, markets are well supplied, prices are relatively low, demand growth is moderate and Iran's ability to intervene is weakened. In the event of an attack, prices would increase significantly, but this increase would likely be limited.
The last factor mentioned by Axios is the belief in the weakness of the regime in Tehran in connection with the mass protests and Israeli and American strikes on the country that took place last year. Iran would certainly respond to an attack, but Israeli and U.S. officials may believe the response will be more limited now than in a few months or years.
