The Wall Street Journal reports that President Donald Trump has become increasingly skeptical about the effectiveness of diplomatic measures with Iran, opting instead for a more aggressive approach that involves continuous military strikes against Tehran.
According to the publication, an unnamed U.S. official revealed that Trump launched a severe verbal attack on Iranian leaders during a recent Oval Office meeting, describing them as 'insane' and asserting that Iran 'understands only military force.'
The official added that Trump views himself in a state of 'retaliation' against Iran and believes no options are better than ongoing military strikes.
The article also mentions that the conflict has had a personal impact on Trump and several of his senior advisers, amidst intelligence warnings of Iranian threats to assassinate them.
Conversely, two U.S. sources told the Journal that Jared Kushner and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff still see potential for an agreement with Iran, despite diminishing diplomatic prospects.
These statements follow the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcement of completing its thirteenth consecutive night of military operations against targets within Iran. Washington claims the campaign aims to mitigate threats posed by Tehran to commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM stated that the strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and the Revolutionary Guard naval capabilities, intending to reduce threats to commercial vessels and civilian sailors.
The Central Command confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for navigation, with commercial ships continuing to pass safely under the protection of U.S. forces, noting the deployment of over 50,000 U.S. military personnel across the Middle East.