President Donald Trump is facing a policy dilemma over the direction of the ongoing war involving Iran, as discussions continue within his administration.
At the same time, key Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, are actively engaging with the United States on the future of the conflict.
According to The Wall Street Journal, President Trump is privately telling his advisors he believes the Iran war is coming to its final stages and that he hopes to see a diplomatic end to the conflict within weeks.
Trump reportedly told aides he’s willing to end the operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains “largely closed.”
The Trump administration, on March 24, reportedly floated a 15-point plan to Iran to end the war there.
It was met with a flat-out rejection from Tehran, with Iranian leaders opting to instead issue their own plan, as the war nears the one-month mark.
Gulf States Push Trump to Escalate War on Day 32
According to AP News reports on March 31, Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are reportedly urging President Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran, citing that Tehran has “not been weakened enough” after a monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf, and Israeli officials.
Also Read: Trump Reportedly Sending Thousands of US Soldiers to Seize Iran’s Uranium
Some regional allies expressed dissatisfaction at the start of the war over a lack of advance notice for the U.S.-Israeli offensive and warned of potential regional consequences.
They are now reportedly advocating that the conflict continue until there are major changes in Iranian leadership or a substantial shift in its behavior.
Trump has indicated mixed signals, at times suggesting that Iran’s leadership is ready to negotiate, while also threatening further escalation if a deal is not reached soon.
“Saudi Arabia’s fighting back hard. Qatar is fighting back. UAE is fighting back. Kuwait’s fighting back. Bahrain’s fighting back. They’re all fighting back.” Trump said, speaking to reporters on Air Force One.
Iran Changes War Tactics, Targets Israeli Civilians
Also Read: Frustrated Trump Threatens to Blow Up All Oil Wells in Iran and Starve the Country of Water
Iran has escalated its war with Israel, launching fresh ballistic missile attacks toward central population centres and reinforcing concerns that civilians are now the primary targets.
The latest alert issued early morning on March 22, covered Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Rishon LeZion, Holon, Ashdod, and surrounding towns, with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) issuing urgent shelter warnings to millions of civilians.
While earlier Iranian attacks mixed military and strategic sites, recent barrages show increased focus on populated urban centres.
Israeli military officials say Iran has changed tactics after suffering heavy losses to its missile launchers and command infrastructure.
