Trump Outlines Two Options for Next US Steps Against Iran

US President Donald Trump said he is considering several options for next steps in the war with Iran—from continued economic pressure to new powerful military strikes. At the same time, Washington is continuing negotiations with Tehran.

In a telephone interview with Real America’s Voice, Trump said one strategy could be maintaining the current pressure without sudden military escalation. According to him, the US could watch Iran's economic situation worsen further while using frozen Iranian assets as a pressure tool.

The second option involves a significant escalation of military operations. Trump said the US could strike Iran "very, very hard." He stressed that he is still pursuing negotiations, calling the Iranian side a tough negotiator.

The statements came amid new diplomatic contacts. According to Reuters, Pakistan reported that the US and Iran moved closer to a "certain" agreement, while Qatar said talks on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage. Attacks on commercial shipping continue in the region.

Trump also dismissed concerns about ammunition shortages in the US military and said the US is rapidly ramping up production. Reuters previously reported that during the war the US military expended a significant portion of its long-range precision missile stockpiles, raising questions about the country's readiness for potential future conflicts.

Kurs earlier wrote that Trump already weighed a choice between a new ceasefire with Iran and expanding combat operations. In July, US forces heightened their presence in the Middle East while the administration simultaneously sought to reach an agreement with Tehran.

Based on materials from: Reuters