US President Donald Trump is considering renewed military action against Iran following a meeting with his national security advisers, raising fresh concerns about a possible escalation of the eight-month conflict.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump indicated that he would make a decision soon on whether American forces should launch another major round of attacks against Iranian targets.
The president said the United States could intensify its military campaign if necessary to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. However, he expressed reluctance to inflict further destruction on the country.
Trump’s latest comments came after discussions with senior national security officials, during which possible military and diplomatic options were reportedly considered.
The US president maintained that Washington had already achieved significant progress towards its objectives in Iran but suggested that further action could still be necessary to prevent Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
US military prepares for possible renewed operations
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is reportedly making preparations for a possible return to major military operations against Iran.
According to a report by Axios, citing a US official, military planners are finalising preparations for another phase of attacks. However, the command has not received fresh instructions from the White House authorising a renewed offensive.
The possible deployment of additional American naval forces to the Middle East is also being closely monitored as Washington considers its next move.
The preparations come amid uncertainty over whether the Trump administration will prioritise military action, maintain its economic pressure campaign or pursue a negotiated settlement with Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts continue despite rising tensions
While military preparations continue, diplomatic engagements between Iran and regional mediators have intensified.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly held discussions with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt as efforts continue to find a way out of the conflict.
Qatar has also been involved in discussions over a proposed agreement intended to restore confidence between Washington and Tehran.
The proposal reportedly includes measures to ease tensions, including the possible lifting of the American naval blockade and the release of some frozen Iranian financial assets.
In return, Iran would facilitate renewed access for international nuclear inspectors to targeted nuclear facilities. The proposal also envisages reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because of its importance to international oil shipments and global energy supplies.
Iran warns against another American attack
Tehran has maintained that it remains open to diplomatic engagement but will not accept an agreement that ignores its demands.
Iranian officials have also warned that any renewed American or Israeli military offensive would attract a strong response.
Foreign Minister Araghchi has indicated that Iran’s armed forces are prepared for further confrontation, while Iranian security officials have continued to signal that the country has additional military capabilities available.
The disagreement over Iran’s nuclear programme, American sanctions, maritime security and the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the negotiations.
For now, Trump’s administration faces a difficult choice between returning to large-scale military operations and pursuing diplomatic arrangements that could prevent another major escalation in the Middle East.
Although the president has indicated that a decision is approaching, Washington has not publicly announced an order to launch a new full-scale offensive.
