Trump: Critical Options Facing Washington Regarding Iran.. Military Escalation or Economic Pressure or Deal

Washington - Afaq News - U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his administration is close to making a decisive decision regarding the path it will take towards Iran, as the war and military and economic pressures on Tehran continue, while the possibility of reaching an agreement remains on the table.

Trump, in statements reported by U.S. media, mentioned that he is facing a significant decision on whether to order a wide military escalation against the Iranian regime, adding that "anything can happen." Axios had reported on September 17 that he is nearing a "crossroads" regarding the war and is considering whether to launch extensive attacks aimed at ending the conflict.

Trump's statements come amid three main paths that the U.S. administration is dealing with in the Iranian file: continuing economic pressure, taking additional military steps, or reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Ongoing Economic Pressure

The Trump administration announced in August the launch of what it called the "Economic Outcast Operation" aimed at isolating the Iranian economy and cutting off the revenue sources that support the Iranian government.

The U.S. Treasury Department, according to a statement from the White House, said that Iran faces two options: to continue its economic isolation and reach an economy based on minimal resources, or to return to a path that allows it to reintegrate into the global economy.

Trump had previously stated that the Iranian economy is under severe pressure, while the U.S. administration announced that sanctions and economic measures are a fundamental part of its strategy towards Tehran.

Possibility of military escalation

In contrast, Trump did not rule out a return to large-scale military operations against Iran. In an interview with Axios, he stated that he is faced with a decision regarding whether to enter a process that would lead to the 'annihilation of the Iranian regime,' emphasizing that the decision will be one of the biggest he will have to make in the upcoming phase.

U.S. reports indicate that Washington is monitoring developments within Iran, including its military capabilities and facilities associated with the nuclear program.

Fox News reported that Trump is also considering the possibility of taking further military actions, while American officials announced that Washington's goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The door to negotiations remains open.

Despite the escalation, the U.S. administration continues to talk about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran.

Reports have indicated that Trump is considering offers or messages from the Iranian side regarding ending the war, while indirect communications between the concerned parties continue.

In a sign of the continuation of the diplomatic path alongside military operations, the United States has agreed to grant visas to Iranian President Masoud Bezhakian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to participate in the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York, despite the ongoing war between the two countries.

A potential meeting on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York are expected to be an important stop for discussing the future of the war.

According to Axios, Trump is scheduled to meet with leaders of Gulf countries on the sidelines of the General Assembly meetings to discuss the next steps in the war with Iran and the U.S. strategy for the next phase.

Fox News also reported that Trump intends to make the Iranian nuclear file a central focus of his upcoming speech before the General Assembly, reaffirming Washington's position against Iran possessing nuclear weapons.