US President Donald Trump may delay his ultimatum to Iran if he sees a deal approaching, according to an Axios report. “If the president sees a deal coming together, he would likely delay action. But only he and only he makes that decision,” the outlet emphasizes. It’s worth noting that Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure, giving an ultimatum for 3:00 AM Wednesday morning (Greek time).
Axios: “If the president sees a deal coming together, he would likely delay action”
The American president faces a major dilemma. He will either implement his threat and destroy Iran’s infrastructure, or extend the deadline he set himself to give diplomacy a chance. Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are trying to prevent this scenario by promoting diplomatic solutions. “If the president sees a deal coming together, he would likely delay action. But only he and only he makes that decision,” a senior government official told Axios. A Defense Department official said they are “skeptical” about the possibility of an extension.
“Hegseth and Rubio look like peaceniks compared to Trump”
“The president is the most bloodthirsty, like a mad dog,” a US official said, downplaying rumors that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth or Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraged him. “These guys look like peaceniks compared to the president,” he added.
Trump has begun asking advisors about the plan to attack power generation stations, asking them: “What do you think about Infrastructure Day?” Trump’s negotiating team believes they should try to achieve a deal immediately. Meanwhile, Trump allies are urging him not to agree to a ceasefire unless Iran makes concessions.
Trump noted in a press conference that the slow pace of Iranian consultations is hindering progress in the talks. Trump’s advisors said he needs to see positive signs and consider the possibility of an extension. “We’re in up to our necks in negotiations, anything could happen,” one of the advisors said.
Trump: “The entire country could be destroyed”
Trump himself, however, presented a catastrophic picture. “The entire country could be destroyed in one night, and that could happen tomorrow night,” Trump said. “We have a plan whereby every bridge in Iran will be destroyed by 12 tonight. Every power plant in Iran will be taken out of service, burning, exploding and never used again. I mean complete destruction by 12, and that would happen within four hours if we wanted it to,” he said. “We don’t want that to happen,” he added.
Two sources told Axios that a plan for an attack against Iran’s energy facilities is ready if Trump gives his approval. “Trump would accept a deal if offered one, but it’s unclear if the Iranians are ready. The situation will be extremely tense until Tuesday at 8 PM,” an American source said.
