Trump Warns Military Action Against Iran “On the Table,” Israel to Take Lead Role
Key Developments:
- Military Threat: President Trump stated that U.S. military action against Iran remains “absolutely” possible if Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program, emphasizing that Israel would take a “leading role” in any strike.
- “If it requires military, we’re going to have military. Israel will obviously be very much involved… But nobody leads us—we do what we want to do.”
- New Sanctions: The U.S. Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on five entities and one individual tied to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, escalating pressure ahead of nuclear talks.
- Iran’s Response:
- President Masoud Pezeshkian denied nuclear weapons ambitions and unexpectedly invited U.S. investment, claiming Supreme Leader Khamenei does not oppose economic engagement.
- “American investors: Come and invest.”
- Oman Talks Uncertainty:
- The U.S. frames this weekend’s Oman meeting as direct talks, while Iran insists they are indirect negotiations.
- Trump hinted discussions may not be progressing well.
Global Reactions:
- Netanyahu’s Stance: Backed talks but demanded any deal fully prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon, citing Libya’s 2003 disarmament as a potential model.
- Historical Context:
- Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, calling it “the worst deal ever.”
- Biden’s efforts to revive the deal failed, leaving diplomacy at a standstill.
Why It Matters:
- Risk of Escalation: Trump’s threat of military action—with Israel as a key partner—raises stakes amid already heightened tensions.
- Iran’s Mixed Signals: Pezeshkian’s investment pitch contrasts with ongoing uranium enrichment, suggesting internal divisions or tactical maneuvering.
- Diplomatic Deadlock: With the U.S. and Iran disagreeing on talks’ format, prospects for a breakthrough appear slim.
As Oman talks loom, the U.S. and Iran remain on a collision course—with Trump keeping military strikes viable, Iran dangling economic incentives, and Israel poised to act. The window for diplomacy is narrowing, and failure could trigger a dangerous escalation in the Middle East.
Trump warned military action against Iran is “on the table” if nuclear talks fail, with Israel leading potential strikes. New U.S. sanctions targeted Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran’s president unexpectedly invited American investment. With Oman talks this weekend, hopes for a deal are dim amid clashing U.S.-Iran narratives. Netanyahu pushed for a Libya-style disarmament, but the region braces for further turmoil.
