Trump weighs fresh Iran airstrikes if diplomacy over Strait of Hormuz fails: Report

Washington: US president Donald Trump is reportedly nearing a crucial decision on Iran, with senior US officials preparing contingency plans for renewed military action if diplomatic efforts fail to break the ongoing standoff, according to a report by The New York Times.

The development comes shortly after Trump returned from China following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Several countries are reportedly attempting to mediate a compromise that could reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and potentially hand Trump a diplomatic achievement ahead of the upcoming US election. However, the American President appeared to dismiss Tehran’s latest proposal for peace talks.

“I looked at it, and if I don't like the first sentence I just throw it away,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One after departing Beijing.

Iran and Strait of Hormuz discussed during Xi-Trump talks

The latest escalation follows Trump’s discussions with Xi Jinping, during which Iran emerged as a key topic.

China remains one of Tehran’s most significant strategic partners and depends heavily on energy supplies transported through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump confirmed that he discussed Iran with Xi but said he did not ask Beijing to pressure Tehran.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is said to be preparing for multiple scenarios. According to The New York Times, military officials are drawing up plans for a possible restart of Operation Epic Fury, potentially under a different operational title, following last month’s ceasefire.

US and Israeli forces reportedly preparing for possible strikes

The report also cited regional intelligence assessments suggesting rising tensions in the Middle East.

Two Middle Eastern officials, speaking anonymously to the American newspaper, claimed that US and Israeli forces are currently carrying out their largest joint military preparations since the ceasefire agreement, with possible strikes being considered as early as next week.

According to a reportd, Trump said both Washington and Beijing agree that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

“I have a lot of respect for him. On Iran, he feels strongly that they can't have a nuclear weapon, said that very strongly, they can't have a nuclear weapon, and he wants them to open up the strait,” Trump said.

“But as he said, they close it and you close them. And it's true, we control the strait, and they have done no business in the last two and a half weeks, which is approximately $500 million a day,” he added.

Taiwan also featured prominently in discussions

Trump also revealed that Taiwan was extensively discussed during his meeting with Xi Jinping.

According to Trump, the Chinese President strongly opposed any move towards Taiwanese independence and warned against actions that could trigger confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

“We had a great stay; it was an amazing period of time. President Xi is an incredible guy,” Trump said.

“President Xi and I talked a lot about Taiwan. He thinks they cannot have anything to do with what they're doing. He's very much against what they're doing. We talked about Taiwan and we talked about Iran a lot, and I think we have a very good understanding on both,” he stated.

With agency inputs