US President Donald Trump is increasingly seriously considering resuming a full-scale military operation against Iran, CNN reported, citing unnamed aides to the American leader.
According to these sources, the head of state is running out of patience over the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the Islamic Republic's refusal to make significant concessions to Washington, which the American prime minister attributes to alleged disagreements within the Iranian leadership.
CNN reports that there are several camps in the White House proposing different next steps regarding Tehran: some US administration officials are advocating a more aggressive approach that would include striking Iran to weaken the Islamic Republic's position republic, while others continue to insist on continuing diplomatic efforts.
In addition, some members of Trump's inner circle want Pakistan, which is mediating in the US-Iran talks, to convey the US position to Iran more accurately. The White House also believes that Pakistani mediators often convey to Washington a more positive Iranian position than is actually the case.
The channel notes that it is unlikely that the US leader will make a final decision on Iran before his departure for China this week.