Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed to reporters that a return to military action against Iran is possible if the Iranian government continues to engage in inappropriate behavior, following dissatisfaction with Iran's proposed 14-point plan to resolve ongoing conflicts.
According to Thai News Agency, Trump indicated he is awaiting further details on a new peace proposal from Iran, reportedly submitted through a Pakistani representative. However, he expressed skepticism through social media, questioning the acceptability of the proposal. He highlighted Iran's continued demands, particularly regarding its nuclear program, which the U.S. cannot accommodate, blaming the failure of negotiations on internal conflicts within the Iranian leadership.
While the full details of Iran's 14-point proposal remain undisclosed, reports suggest Iran offered to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting the naval blockade and ceasing attacks. However, Iran's attempt to postpone discussions on the nuclear issue remains a contentious point opposed by Trump.
The ongoing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to severely impact the global economy and oil prices, while the U.S. Navy's naval and port blockade against Iran persists. Trump has likened the U.S. actions to piracy, citing the seizure of Iranian ships and goods.
Mohammad Jafar Azadi, a senior Iranian military officer, stated that a renewed conflict between the United States and Iran is possible, citing past evidence of the U.S. not adhering to its promises or agreements. This statement followed President Trump's expression of displeasure with Iran's new negotiating proposals. Meanwhile, Iran's chief judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Aje, emphasized that while Iran remains open to negotiations, it will not accept forced peace terms.
Earlier, Trump sent a letter to congressional leaders announcing the end of fighting that began on February 28 due to a ceasefire. This move aims to circumvent the 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution Act, which requires congressional approval for continued military action. Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department used emergency powers to expedite the sale of over $8.6 billion worth of weapons to Middle Eastern allies.
While Congress debates whether Trump violated the deadline for congressional approval to wage war, officials argue that the ceasefire resets the 60-day timeframe, a point contested by Democrats.
In Lebanon, despite a declared ceasefire on April 17, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah persists. Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in at least 13 deaths, with reports indicating that residential areas and medical personnel were primarily affected. Hezbollah retaliated by attacking Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in response to Israel's ceasefire violations.
Data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health reports over 2,600 deaths and more than 8,000 injuries in Lebanon since March 2.