US President Donald Trump is seriously considering resuming military operations against Iran, according to US media. This is due to ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Washington's dissatisfaction with Iran's response to US proposals and fears of further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
Trump said in an interview with CBS News that the United States may resume operations aimed at ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He did not rule out „much more serious“ steps.
The Strait of Hormuz as a key point of conflict
According to Trump, the Strait of Hormuz is a major tool for Tehran to exert pressure on world markets and international trade. A significant part of global oil and gas supplies pass through it.
„We can easily return to this operation. And maybe we'll do something much tougher,“ said the US President.
Trump also sharply criticised the latest Iranian response to US proposals to end the fighting. He called it „totally unacceptable“ and a proposal made by people who, in his view, do not understand the seriousness of the situation.
CNN: White House losing patience
CNN television, citing its sources, reported that there is a growing debate in the White House about whether to resume a large-scale military operation against Iran.
Some of Trump's advisers are pushing for a tougher military approach to weaken Iran's position. Other members of the administration still prefer a diplomatic solution.
However, according to CNN, Trump is unlikely to make a final decision before his planned trip to China.
The United Arab Emirates could attack Iranian targets
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates may have launched several attacks on Iranian territory.
One of the targets was to be a refinery on Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf. According to the newspaper, Washington did not publicly criticise the action and may have welcomed it in private as a stepping up of pressure on Tehran.
The Emirates has faced missile and drone attacks in recent weeks, which it has blamed on Iran. Tehran denies any responsibility.
Iran was reportedly moving planes to Pakistan and Afghanistan
CBS News reported that Iran may have moved some of its military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan because of fears of US attacks.
The military machines were to be stationed at Nur Khan air base near Islamabad. The civilian aircraft of Mahan Air were to be temporarily moved to Kabul and then to Herat.
Spokesman for the Afghan Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid however, information about the deployment of Iranian aircraft on afghan territory denied.
A fragile ceasefire without an agreement
The February US and Israeli strikes on Iran were followed by a temporary ceasefire. However, negotiations between Washington and Tehran have not yet led to a long-term agreement.
Iranian state media report that Tehran does not intend to abide by the unilaterally announced extension of the ceasefire by the US and will follow its own strategic interests.
Tensions between the two countries remain high, and the world is watching to see if the situation will once again turn into an open military conflict.
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