Donald Trump is facing a critical decision regarding potential military operations against Iran, even as his administration is engaged in efforts to secure a peace deal with the regime. Trump convened with his national security team at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday to deliberate on resuming military actions, according to multiple reports.
Sources informed Trump that Monday's new moon over the Middle East would provide the minimal moonlight conducive to covert air operations, a timing favored by commanders. Trump himself indicated to reporters that a decision on resuming the conflict was imminent, stating that he would prefer to avoid further destruction but might be compelled to act to permanently halt Iran's nuclear program. "You'll know soon enough," he told reporters.
Concurrently, Iran has presented a new proposal regarding its nuclear program through Qatari mediators. This development places Trump in a position to choose between accepting a deal or initiating further military strikes. US Central Command had previously prepared strike plans that could have been executed the day after the election, and thousands of American troops remain stationed off the coast of Iran enforcing a blockade.
US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly advocating for an agreement, while CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent favor maintaining the naval blockade. The outcome of these deliberations carries significant implications for regional stability and the global energy market, given the Strait of Hormuz's critical role in oil and liquefied natural gas transport.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi reportedly conveyed to Trump that Iraq cannot be utilized as a "launchpad for aggression against neighboring countries." The recent midterm elections, in which Democrats gained control of both the House and the Senate, have been linked by Vance to voter dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict and economic conditions. Trump acknowledged the war's impact but also cited the price of gasoline as a contributing factor to the election results, reiterating his stance on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.