US-Iran talks continue, but Trump holds key to ending fighting
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The United States and Iran continue negotiations despite exchanging strikes. Halting the attacks depends on President Donald Trump, but the US leader is currently pursuing a different goal, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
According to a US official, Trump is currently focused on making Iran "pay" for violating the memorandum of understanding and for "continuing terrorist acts" in the Strait of Hormuz.
The official also added that the US leader "will make Iran pay for killing the American soldiers."
"These devastating strikes will continue until the President decides otherwise, but the talks between us and Iran are ongoing," the source added.
US-Iran war
In June, the United States and Iran reached a framework agreement that extended the ceasefire and opened the way for negotiations on the key issues that had led to the war.
The sides were expected to finalize an agreement within 60 days. However, in early July, Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US then launched retaliatory strikes against Iran, after which Tehran attacked another merchant ship. Since then, the exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran has not stopped.
According to The Washington Post, relations between Washington and Tehran came close to a full-scale conflict on July 19. A source told the newspaper that the United States is preparing for a larger war, and the Pentagon is already increasing the number of aircraft in the Middle East.
Axios also reported several weeks ago that the White House is preparing for the possibility of a days-long or even weeks-long exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
