United States ruler Donald Trump is considering using military force to conduct a “raid” on Iran in order to “extract” its enriched uranium. Political analysts say that this move will do little more than extend the war the U.S. started back in February.
While no decision has been made yet by the U.S., Trump seems to remain “generally open” to the option of a raid. He is also said to be weighing the risks to U.S. troops, a report by The Wall Street Journal stated on Sunday. At least 13 US service members have been killed and about 200 wounded since the Iran conflict began in late February.
Trump has also instructed advisers to increase pressure on Tehran to hand over about 450 kg of enriched uranium as a condition for ending the conflict. He has also allegedly discussed “seizing it by force” if negotiations fail, according to the report. He and some allies have said privately that the material could be captured in a targeted operation without prolonging the war, potentially allowing it to wind down by mid-April.
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On Sunday, Trump warned that he would escalate the war, saying Iran must comply with the U.S.’s demands or “they’re not going to have a country,” adding: “They’re going to give us the nuclear dust.”
Last week, Iran rejected a roadmap proposed by the U.S. that called for dismantling its nuclear program, curbing missile activity, and ending support for regional allies, with Tehran saying any deal must include “concrete guarantees” and not be dictated by Washington.
The U.S. has also threatened Iran with a “final blow” if it doesn’t bow to the demands of the U.S. during diplomatic talks.
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Trump may have also admitted the real reason behind the war, too, much as he did with the Venezuelan debacle. He wants the oil, and he’s no longer hiding it.
“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” Trump said, dismissing critics of his policies in the U.S. as “stupid people.”