U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated political and military pressures on Iran, announcing that the United States may carry out new "powerful" strikes within the next few hours. This development comes as negotiations continue between the two sides regarding a new nuclear agreement.
In remarks to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed that the negotiations have reached advanced stages and that the text of the agreement is fully ready. He noted that the main obstacle is Tehran's delay in making a final signing decision.
The American president accused the Iranian leadership of stalling and missing available opportunities to reach a settlement. He considered that his country gave Iran additional time to finalize the agreement, but the Iranian response remains below Washington's expectations.
Alongside the diplomatic track, Trump hinted at the possibility of new military operations inside Iran. He indicated that the list of potential targets could include energy facilities and strategic infrastructure, following recent U.S. strikes which Washington claimed were a response to the downing of an American helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump emphasized that the proposed agreement is fundamentally different from the 2015 nuclear deal. He assured that the current administration aims for an agreement that completely prevents any possibility of Iran possessing a nuclear weapon in the future.
He also spoke about what he described as the success of the maritime blockade on Iran, considering it one of the most effective measures in pressuring Tehran and weakening its economic and military capabilities.
Conversely, diplomatic efforts continue to avoid further escalation. Reports revealed the arrival of a Qatari delegation in the Iranian capital Tehran as part of mediation efforts between the two sides, aiming to advance negotiations towards a final agreement following intensive consultations with U.S. officials.
This development comes at a time when the crisis seems to be at a critical crossroads, between the possibility of reaching an agreement that eases regional tensions, or slipping into a new phase of direct military confrontation.