New inflammatory statements about the conflict with Iran were made by Donald Trump, claiming that the US needs just “two more weeks” to strike all their strategic targets in Iran.
In an interview he gave to independent journalist Sheryl Atkinson and broadcast today, the American president argued that Tehran has already been “defeated at a military level,” although—as he noted—the Iranian side may not admit it publicly. “They might not realize it, but I believe they know it,” he said characteristically, adding however that “this doesn’t mean they’ve said their last word.”
Trump left open the possibility of further military escalation, noting that American forces have already struck approximately 70% of selected targets, while there remain—as he said—other targets that could constitute “the finishing touch” of the operation. His statements come at a particularly critical juncture, as Iran announced earlier that it responded to the latest American proposal aimed at ending the conflict, which erupted on February 28.
Meanwhile, the American president launched new criticism against NATO, characterizing the Alliance as a “paper tiger” and expressing his displeasure with the stance of US allies. “They weren’t there to help,” he said characteristically, bringing back his well-known criticism of NATO countries.
Tehran’s proposal text focuses on ending hostilities –
The proposal text from Iran, regarding the war with the US, focuses on ending the war on all fronts and specifically in Lebanon, as reported by state media in Tehran. It’s noted that Tehran’s response to the American proposal for ending the war was transmitted to Pakistan, which appears to be functioning as a mediator in the conflict.
Clashes but also hopes for ending the Iran & US war
It’s recalled that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after the American-Israeli attack against it began on February 28, causing intense disruptions to the global economy. Clashes between American and Iranian forces have multiplied.
At the same time, in Washington, after meeting with American Vice President J.D. Vance, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met yesterday with American Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The emirate, which has repeatedly been in Iran’s crosshairs in recent months, has played the role of mediator several times between Washington and countries or movements in the Middle East, above all in the case of Hamas.
In Tehran, doubts are expressed about whether and to what extent American diplomacy is serious. “The recent escalation of tensions by American armed forces and multiple violations of the ceasefire on their part raise suspicions about the motives and seriousness of the American side regarding the path of diplomacy,” emphasized Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Iran warns Britain and France: “If their ships support US illegal actions, we will respond immediately and decisively”
While Britain and France have made clear that the ships they’ve sent to the Persian Gulf will assist the operation to open the Strait of Hormuz after the war ends, Iran is warning them. Specifically, its Deputy Foreign Minister, Said Khatibzadeh, sent the message that in case their warships support the “illegal and contrary to international law” actions of the United States, they will face an immediate and decisive response from Tehran.
Shortly before the statement, Iran had sent to Pakistan its response to the US 14-point plan for ending the war. The response, according to information, has reached the US through Pakistani mediation channels. According to the same source, the proposed framework provides that “at this stage, negotiations will focus on ending the war.”
Iran appears to have conducted internal evaluation processes before announcing its positions and assessments, while Pakistan plays the role of mediator for ending the war. Furthermore, its capital, Islamabad, is the center of negotiations, which however so far have not been fruitful.
