US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the Iran war has not received expected support and that his administration is considering other options, though the possibility of a new military intervention remains open. As clashes between the parties follow, with limited attacks and Iranian strikes on oil tankers, Washington is also looking into the diplomatic route. In this context, meetings with mediators from Qatar are expected at the White House.
In parallel with diplomatic efforts, the Pentagon and American intelligence services are preparing other measures to increase pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Central Command has announced a plan to establish a ground blockade on Iran, known as the Iron Gate. The project is being conducted by about 20 officers in Tampa, Florida, and aims to monitor and prevent Iran’s supply of weapons and other materials through land borders and the Caspian Sea.
However, the implementation of this plan presents great difficulties. To function, it requires the full co-operation of neighbouring Iran, which has an interest in maintaining relations and communication with Tehran. Some of the areas where authorities should act are without American presence, others face armed conflicts, such as the Beluccistan region, or are controlled by US opponents, such as Taliban.
Another obstacle is the Caspian Sea, which according to reports is used by Russia to send equipment and military materials to Iran, including fears and missile parts. These movements were previously denounced by the American and Ukrainian media. To cut this supply, Washington would have to face Moscow directly, a step that may be difficult given the relationship between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Another U.S. administration initiative is offering a $20 million reward to anyone who provides information on Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, several possibilities remain at the Trump table for continuing military operations. One is the resumption of a broad offensive, with bombings against military bases and nuclear targets, including the facility on Mount Piccaxe. Another option is a more limited intervention, focused on Iranian infrastructure.
However, a new attack would have high costs. War spending so far is estimated at $47 billion, while the US Congress has not approved new funds. Also, according to analysts’ assessments, there is no guarantee that a new offensive would achieve the target results. For this reason, one of the options under consideration is the increasing economic pressure on Iran, where the land blockade of ʹIron Gates would play an important role. However, US intelligence estimates suggest Tehran has created considerable reserves, which can help it cope with restrictions.
At the same time, diplomacy continues to remain an opportunity, despite the strong attitudes of both sides. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has named Iran’s conditions for reaching an agreement as ridiculous and unacceptable. Tehran, on the other hand, has not given up the demand for a solution that he considers just and dignified.
Iranian authorities also seek to establish a new order in the Persian Gulf and aim to preserve their role in the Hormuz Strait. They have warned that a new war could have serious consequences and that Iran’s response would extend beyond the region. In this context, French authorities have launched an investigation into a group linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Schahid Kavehı, suspected of cyber attacks on supermarkets.
Iranian President Masoud Peskian has also signaled the need for exit from the current unclear situation, amid war and peace. Iran’s supreme leader, Mojataba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly in time, has demanded that this situation end.
According to analysts’ estimates, Tehran worries Washington could pursue a protracted pressure strategy, alternateing limited attacks with negotiations efforts. Such a scenario would keep Iran in a constant state of uncertainty. As The New York Times observes, getting out of this situation may take time and patience – an approach that, according to newspaper analysis, does not match the way Trump has acted so far.
Source Layer: Insander