Trump is probably considering new attacks on Iran

News blog about the war in the Middle East

Trump is probably considering new attacks on Iran

Brussels is preparing new sanctions against Tehran. In exchange for payment, Iran allows 35 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. All developments in the news blog.

Despite intensive diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war, US President Donald Trump is considering new attacks on the Islamic Republic, according to media reports. The US broadcaster CBS and the news portal “Axios” reported on Friday that the USA was preparing for a possible resumption of military attacks. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran for mediation talks.

Axios reported, citing two US government officials, that Trump held a meeting with his closest security advisers on Friday morning. The president is increasingly “frustrated” with the negotiations with Tehran – and is now leaning towards new attacks rather than continuing diplomacy.

CBS reported, citing anonymous sources, that U.S. military and intelligence officials canceled their travel plans for the long weekend amid possible attacks. CBS and “Axios” also reported that a decision to resume fighting had not yet been made.

Trump himself said on Friday on his online platform Truth Social that he would not be able to attend the upcoming wedding of his eldest son Donald Trump Jr. due to “circumstances.” “I think it is important to remain in Washington DC, in the White House, during this important time.” The US President did not provide any further information about the circumstances he mentioned.

The EU has paved the way for sanctions against individuals and organizations in Iran over the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global trade. “Iran’s actions against ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz violate international law,” the European Council said on Friday.

According to its own information, the Council decided to extend existing sanctions against Iran. The measures will now also be applied to “individuals and organizations” “involved in Iran’s actions” that threatened freedom of navigation in the region.

Possible sanctions include bans on entry and transit in the EU and asset freezes. European companies and citizens are also prohibited from doing business with people who are on the sanctions list. The EU initially did not name the people or organizations against which the new sanctions would be directed.

Amid new negotiation efforts in the Iran war, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir travels to Tehran. Pakistani security sources said Munir was on his way to discuss the draft agreement between the US and Iran. Munir should meet the Iranian leadership.