Senior advisers to President Donald Trump have warned that reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran could be very difficult amid reports that the United States military is getting ready in case diplomacy fails and longer operations are needed.
A senior U.S. official told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that this week, Trump asked special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner how likely it was to reach a deal with Tehran.
They reportedly told him that, based on experience in the past, making a successful agreement with Iran has been “difficult to impossible.” Still, they promised to keep a firm approach in the talks.
The advisers reportedly told Trump, “If they agree to what we are asking for, we will give you the option and you decide.”
This warning comes as Washington tries to reach an agreement with Tehran to limit its nuclear program and prevent a larger conflict.
The first round of talks in Oman this week did not yield a breakthrough, and a second round is scheduled for Geneva next week.
Trump has often warned that if a deal is not reached, Iran could face serious consequences, including possible military action. Earlier this week, he called the alternative a “very traumatic” outcome for Iran.
U.S. prepares for extended military operations
After the president’s comments, reports indicated the U.S. military is getting ready for possible long-term combat operations against Iran if the president gives the order.
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Two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday that plans are being made for a possible weeks-long campaign. They said these preparations show rising concern that diplomacy might not work.
When asked about the chance of extended military action, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said this week, “President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran.”
She added, “He listens to a variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security.”
Last year, the United States sent two aircraft carriers to the region during a period of tension, including the June strike on Iranian nuclear sites called “Midnight Hammer.”
That operation was mostly a single-phase attack using stealth bombers from the U.S. Iran answered with a limited strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.
Trump’s comments on regime change in Iran
Trump, while addressing reporters on Friday, said that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen.”
He made this comment to reporters after speaking to military families at Fort Bragg.
“Seems like [regime change in Iran] would be the best thing that could happen. For 47 years, they’ve been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we’ve lost a lot of lives while they talk,” Trump said.
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He also stressed that diplomacy is still possible if Iran accepts U.S. demands. The president had earlier confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will be sent back to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group already there.
“In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it.”
In the past month, about 150 C-17 and C-5 transport planes have brought equipment to the area, and fighter jets have been moved to different bases in the region.
Meanwhile, Switzerland has confirmed it is ready to help with talks between Washington and Tehran as negotiations move forward.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier held indirect talks in Oman with Witkoff and Kushner, with Omani officials acting as mediators.
The talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a main source of rising tensions between the two countries.
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