After declaring Iran’s recent peace proposal as a “piece of garbage,” United States President Donald Trump considers new strikes against Tehran. With the standoff ongoing, many fear that the war will reignite with new strikes.
On Monday, Trump provided a glimpse into the dire state of diplomacy between the US and Iran, saying that “the ceasefire is on massive life support” while dismissing the recent peace proposal from Tehran as a “piece of garbage” that he said he “didn’t even finish reading.”
CNN reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that Trump has grown “increasingly frustrated” with Iran’s handling of negotiations, while several US officials are questioning whether Tehran is willing to engage at all. CNN further alleged that Trump is “now more seriously considering a resumption of major combat operations.” The report added that the stance is shared by some of the Pentagon officials who believe the continued strikes could soften Iran’s position.
A major decision before Trump’s departure to China is unlikely.
The 1,600 ships still stranded in the Gulf are causing major concerns for food security and fuel prices worldwide. Trump had promised to break the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz with what he called “Project Freedom,” but recently abandoned the idea. The major military operation to escort stranded vessels out of the Gulf. The effort, however, lasted less than 48 hours before Trump paused it on May 5th, citing “progress” in peace talks.
This most recent development came after Iran claimed to have hit a US warship attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, an allegation Washington has denied. A New York Times report also claimed that the operation was suspended after Saudi Arabia refused to provide logistical support, as it had not been consulted on the effort.
On May 8th, the US military reported Iranian strikes as three of its destroyers were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stating that no damage had been inflicted, and that the vessels attacked Iranian military facilities in retaliation. Earlier, it claimed to have destroyed six Iranian small boats in the area. –RT