Former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has not yet authorized major military strikes against Iran, even as diplomatic discussions regarding Tehran's nuclear program continue. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump suggested that Iran is becoming "more and more serious" in negotiations, hinting at potential diplomatic progress.
Despite this apparent shift in tone, Trump reiterated that the military option remains firmly on the table should diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful. His comments follow recent media reports, including those from The New York Times and Axios, which suggested he had convened senior national security advisors to discuss potential military actions against Iran, with some indicating he was considering a "massive attack" if diplomacy faltered.
Diplomacy vs. Force: Iran's Choice
Trump emphasized that Iran faces a critical decision: either achieve a negotiated agreement with the United States or confront a significantly stronger military response. He underscored that Washington's primary objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, though he refrained from specifying what would constitute a "tipping point" for authorizing further military action.
The US maintains that its recent military operations in the region are aimed at safeguarding shipping lanes through the vital Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran has launched strikes on US military bases, resulting in four American service members' deaths. "We're locked and loaded and ready to go. But we're talking to them, so we'll see what comes of it," Trump stated, urging Iran to approach negotiations with seriousness.
Geopolitical Assurances and Domestic Pressure
The ongoing conflict, which Trump had previously predicted would conclude within four to five weeks, is now nearing its fifth month. This extended duration is intensifying political pressure on his administration as the US midterm elections approach later this year.
Trump also dismissed reports alleging that Russia and China were supplying weapons or intelligence to Iran. He asserted that both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally assured him they would not arm Tehran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump directly warned Moscow and Beijing against providing weapons to Iran, stating such a move "would be very bad for them" and contrary to their strategic interests, despite existing geopolitical tensions.