ALBAWABA - Frustration is growing inside the White House over the next phase of the battle with Iran, as diplomatic attempts fail to create a breakthrough and fears grow over the likelihood of a prolonged war.
U.S. media sources said President Donald Trump had discussed the idea of a large military strike against Iran that would allow Washington to claim victory and finish the conflict from a position of strength. The conversations come as the government faces mounting pressure with no obvious way to a settlement and the talks stalemate.
Speculation has grown since Trump abruptly flew back to Washington, cutting short plans to stay at his Bedminster property. The decision was tied to top-level security consultations on developments in the Iran conflict, reports said.
Diplomatic activity is flurry around the area and military alternatives are under examined. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran was in the wider context of a mediation between Pakistan and Qatar. Regional sources also said Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey were in touch behind the scenes to try to forestall a broader regional confrontation.
Reports say mediators are preparing a plan to stop the fighting and extend negotiations for another month to enable more detailed discussions on Iran’s nuclear program and regional security issues. But officials involved in the talks have conceded progress remains restricted with draft suggestions being circulated without any major breakthrough.
Iranian authorities shot down reports of an imminent deal, stating that the current conversations are focused on ending the fighting and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for ships, not on the nuclear issue.
The size of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the future of its nuclear program are central to the argument, subjects that Washington says must be resolved in any final deal. U.S. authorities have also resisted any Iranian attempts to limit or charge tolls for international ships via the Strait of Hormuz.
The next several days are seen as increasingly vital amid pressure on oil prices and growing concerns over global energy supplies. Diplomacy may yet lead to a temporary compromise but officials on all sides admit the possibility of a greater military escalation is quite real if mediation attempts fail.
