Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The rapid buildup of US forces in the Middle East has progressed to the point that President Donald Trump has the option to launch military action against Iran as soon as this weekend, a newspaper reported, citing administration and Pentagon officials.
According to a report in The New York Times on February 18, the military posture now allows Trump to strike Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles and launch sites. However, the President “has given no indication that he has made a decision about how to proceed.”
The buildup has continued despite indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva. Iran’s Foreign Minister said there was agreement on a “set of guiding principles.” US officials said the two sides made progress but acknowledged that significant gaps remain.
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Iran give up its nuclear program, including agreeing not to enrich uranium. He has warned that Iran must meet his terms or face severe consequences.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President still prefers negotiations. “The President has always been very clear, though, with respect to Iran or any country around the world, diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration,” she said.
“He’s always thinking about what’s in the best interest of the United States of America, of our military, of the American people, and that’s how he makes decisions with respect to military action,” she added.
