President Donald Trump is weighing a decision on Iran, after a Thursday meeting with his top national security advisors marked the first dedicated session on the Islamic Republic since the midterm elections. Axios reported that Trump and his senior national security advisors met on Iran for the first time since the elections, as part of his weekly intelligence briefing.
Trump Considers Three Options for Iran
Trump is currently studying three options: launching strikes, continuing to strangle the Iranian regime economically, or reaching an agreement that includes major concessions to the Iranians. Axios quoted an American official as saying that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is finalizing preparations for the potential resumption of major combat operations in Iran, although it has not received new directives from Washington. The official noted that the arrival of the third U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East could be an indicator that the United States is planning to launch strikes. An American official stated that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group will spend a few days in Singapore, starting Friday on a port visit. It will not reach the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command before mid-November.
Iran Sets Seven Conditions for Diplomatic Negotiations
On Thursday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Rezaei stated he delivered a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Putin. Rezaei added that Putin confirmed his readiness to try to help end the war. Rezaei said after the meeting: We told Mr. Putin that we have declared seven conditions for the Americans regarding diplomacy, and until they meet those conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened and there will be no negotiations.
Rezaei plays a key role in indirect negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that consultations are “extremely intense,” and that Tehran has presented its conditions and plan, confirming its readiness for diplomacy, but he warned of a stronger response if Washington chooses deception or military action. Axios quoted a White House source as saying the talks have made progress, and mediators are narrowing the gaps.
Trump’s Imminent Decision
President Trump told reporters at the White House: We will make a decision now. on whether to proceed or not
, in reference to launching strikes to ensure the elimination of Iran’s nuclear program. But he added: I prefer to avoid destroying the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I will have to do that. You will know soon.
Trump also stated that the United States must decide whether to proceed with additional steps toward Iran or “certify the agreement,” noting that the next week or two will see a lot of developments, and that there are many things being prepared. He explained that Iran would need 25 years to rebuild what the war has destroyed, adding: “I prefer not to destroy the rest of Iran, but maybe I will have to do that, and you will soon know what we will decide regarding Iran.” An American official stated that the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group will spend a few days in Singapore, starting Friday on a port visit. It will not reach the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command before mid-November.
US President Donald Trump met with his top national security advisers Thursday to discuss Iran for the first time since the midterm elections, Axios reported, citing two US officials. Trump said a decision on whether to resume major military strikes would come soon. According to… pic.twitter.com/8x5xecpPDw
