Trump seriously considering continuing hostilities in the Middle East
Moscow (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump is seriously considering continuing military action in the Middle East, CNN reported, citing presidential aides, as quoted by RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
Previously, after a conversation with Trump, Fox News reported that the White House is considering continuing Operation Project Freedom to restore shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, with an expanded military role.
Trump is increasingly frustrated with Iran’s attitude in negotiations to resolve the conflict, and is now more seriously considering restarting large-scale military operations than in recent weeks, according to the CNN report.
Sources say Trump is losing patience because the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He also believes there is a split within Iran’s leadership that is hindering major concessions on the nuclear issue.
According to those sources, there are now several groups within the US government. Some support a hardline approach by proposing sustained targeted bombings against Iran to weaken Tehran’s position, while others continue to push for diplomatic means to resolve the conflict.
Pakistan’s position as a mediator in the US-Iran talks is also becoming an issue for Washington. Based on CNN sources, the US government is still not certain how clearly Islamabad is conveying Washington’s position to Tehran, nor how objectively Pakistan is communicating Iran’s views to the US side.
The direction of US policy in the Middle East conflict remains unclear, and a decision is likely not to be made before Trump’s scheduled visit to China from 13-15 May, according to sources familiar with the situation.
On 28 February, the US and Israel began attacking targets in Iran, which reportedly killed more than 3,000 people. Washington and Tehran then declared a ceasefire on 8 April.
Subsequent talks in Islamabad ended without results, and without any official announcement regarding the resumption of hostilities. However, after that, the United States began imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.
Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti