U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled the possibility of launching fresh military action targeting Iranian sites,emphasizing that the trajectory of the current crisis depends on Tehran’s willingness to reach a diplomatic settlement or face a calibrated, limited escalation.
Deterrence Options: Resuming "Epic Fury" or Reaching a Deal
Trump pointed to Washington’s readiness to take action on the ground if no political progress is made, stating: “We may carry out another limited round of Operation ‘Epic Fury,’ or Iran reaches a deal with us.” These remarks reflect the U.S.administration's aim to apply maximum direct pressure to compel the Iranian leadership to the negotiating table under new terms.
Imminent Moves and Targeted Constraints
For his part, U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack deemed military steps in the coming hours likely, describing this scenario as "certainly on the table."
In clarifying the military and political strategy, Barrack outlined the parameters of U.S. action as follows:
No Regime Change: The operations do not seek to overthrow the Iranian regime or bring about a radical overhaul of the governing structure.
Recalibrating the Balance: The action aims to curb military threats and secure regional stability through carefully measured steps.
Stringent Negotiating Terms: Although Washington remains open to concluding an agreement, current U.S.demands are notably firm, presenting Tehran with complex negotiating prerequisites.
