Trump may delay strikes on Iran at last moment — Axios
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump may delay strikes on Iran's civilian and energy infrastructure, Axios reports.
A senior official in the US administration told Axios that US President Donald Trump is currently facing an important decision under tight deadlines: to carry out his threat to destroy Iran's infrastructure or to once again extend his own deadline to give negotiations a chance.
"If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision," the source told the publication.
At the same time, an unnamed Pentagon representative expressed skepticism about another extension of the deadline for reaching a deal with Tehran.
According to Axios, Trump holds the most hawkish position on Iran compared to members of his cabinet. However, Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner believe he should try to reach a deal with Tehran.
The Iranian side's response to Washington's proposal for a ceasefire was perceived in the White House not as a refusal, but as a negotiating maneuver.
At the same time, two unnamed sources told the publication that a plan for a large-scale US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran's energy facilities is ready if Trump gives the order.
"Trump would take a deal if he got one, but it's unclear if the Iranians are ready. It will be extremely tense until Tuesday at 8 pm," said a US source close to Trump.
Trump's threats toward Iran
Recently, US leader Donald Trump once again called on Iran to unblock the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
He hinted that in case of refusal on Tuesday, April 7, strikes would be carried out on energy infrastructure and bridges in Iran.
Following these statements, information appeared about an initiative by mediator countries that proposed a temporary 45-day ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
However, it later became known that both sides rejected this idea.
Meanwhile, the UN expressed concern over Trump's rhetoric. It warned that possible strikes on facilities that could cause civilian casualties would violate international law and could be considered a war crime.
Earlier, journalists also asked Trump about his position on these warnings.
In response, he said that a "war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon."
