US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the United States has significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities but still needs to address a few remaining targets. He mentioned that negotiations with Iran to end the war, initiated by the US and Israel in February, are ongoing but challenging due to Iran's reliability issues. Trump emphasized that the US is not rushing into offensive action, having already decimated Iran's military and nuclear program.
Trump revealed that the US could take care of the remaining targets in a short amount of time, specifically mentioning a suspected underground nuclear complex referred to as Pickaxe Mountain. The Iranian government has denied any nuclear activities at this site. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Trump has not made a decision regarding fresh strikes on Iran and that the US remains open to a diplomatic solution.
Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, warned the US and Israel against launching a new offensive, following their threats to resume strikes after crucial elections in both countries. Khamenei ordered military commanders to update Iran's target list to include all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy. This was the first reported meeting between Khamenei and top military commanders since he took office.
The conflict's direction may be influenced by the upcoming elections in both the US and Israel. Israel has recently voted in a general election, but a new government has yet to be formed. The US midterm elections could impact Trump's ability to enact policy, particularly if the opposition Democrats gain ground. The war has already led to a spike in global energy prices, making it unpopular among the US public.
The conflict has resulted in Tehran restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries around one-fifth of global oil consumption. A ship traversing the strait recently struck a mine and caught fire, according to Iranian state television. The blockade has caused significant economic disruption, and fresh diplomatic efforts are underway to avert a resumption of fighting.
Qatari mediators have been engaged in talks with Iran, and US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei. Rezaei described the tone of the letter as having "completely changed," which he considered a positive sign. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that there are currently no plans for meetings with US officials.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned that any resumption of hostilities would only expand the scope of the war, engulfing a much wider geographical area. Araghchi also cautioned that there would no longer be any "red lines" in the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation.
Key points
- The US has knocked out much of Iran's military but still targets a few sites.
- Iran's supreme leader warned the US and Israel against launching a new offensive.
- Diplomatic efforts are underway to avert a resumption of fighting between the US and Iran.
