US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a decision will be made within two weeks on whether to proceed with additional steps against Iran or approve the nuclear deal. He emphasized that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons, and any actions taken will be done with Washington's approval. Trump expressed a preference for not destroying the remaining parts of Iran but hinted that he may have to do so.
Trump's comments come amid growing pressure on US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Democrats in Congress announcing plans to open investigations into his performance and management of the war on Iran. This move follows the Democrats' victory in the midterm elections, which gave them control of both the House and Senate. Some Republicans, including Representative Thomas Massie, are also planning to introduce articles of impeachment against Hegseth.
The Pentagon has stated that Hegseth will continue to lead the department, with spokesman Sean Parnell asserting that he will not be swayed by politicians seeking to gain partisan advantages or launch investigations. Hegseth has faced criticism for several controversies, including the leaking of details about a US military operation in Yemen and the killing of survivors in a second strike on suspected drug-smuggling boats.
The Democratic chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Adam Smith, has stated that the panel will focus on strengthening oversight of the Pentagon and the Trump administration, including the war on Iran, which he described as "illegal". The committee will also investigate US strikes on boats and the deployment of military forces in American cities.
Iranian military officials have warned that any new aggression or hostile actions in the region will not lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for global oil exports. They emphasized that Iran will target all US physical and non-physical assets if it is attacked, without regard to geographical constraints.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei in Moscow, where they discussed strengthening ties between the two countries. Russia and Iran have faced significant international sanctions and have a close political relationship, which has been bolstered by their military and economic cooperation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting between Putin and Rezaei highlighted the importance of regional security mechanisms and the need to prevent external interference in the Middle East. Rezaei also discussed the possibility of constructing a gas pipeline between Russia and Iran, which would help address Iran's gas shortages and facilitate the transportation of Russian gas to neighboring countries.
Key points
- Trump to decide on Iran deal within two weeks
- Democrats to investigate US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Iran warns of retaliation against US aggression
