© EPA-EFE/AL DRAGO The USA speaks about tranquility and simultaneously gears up for escalation.
The administration of US President Donald Trump states its willingness for a peaceful solution to the conflict with Iran, but concurrently openly menaces a severe escalation if talks falter. This came to light during a briefing at the White House.
As per press secretary Caroline Levitt, the US president aims for peace, though he does not dismiss a forceful alternative.
“President Trump is not feigning and stands prepared to unleash havoc. Iran must not repeat the previous error,” she stated.
The White House underlined that Iran's former missteps led to the loss of their top leadership, navy, air force, and air defense infrastructure.
Levitt also mentioned that the United States is “very near to realizing the main goals” of Operation Epic Fury. This differs from remarks by Trump himself, who indicated that the goals have already been accomplished.
In spite of the aggressive wording, Washington confirms that conversations with Iran have not ceased.
“Discussions are still in progress,” Levitt asserted, contradicting claims that they may have reached a standstill.
Meanwhile, she demurred from revealing the specifics, deeming them “too delicate.”
Regarding details concerning the 15-point strategy to end the conflict, which the US conveyed to Iran through intermediaries, Levitt observed that “certain aspects are accurate,” though not all of the publicized information is precise.
Meanwhile, Iran, according to state news, characterized the US demands as “over the top” and conveyed that it would cease the war “at its own discretion.”
Likewise, the White House refrained from addressing an inquiry concerning the potential deployment of American ground troops if negotiations break down.
“That is a hypothetical query. The determination rests with the commander in chief, and I will not anticipate their decision,” Levitt said.
Just yesterday, the Pentagon's intentions to dispatch more than a thousand extra soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East were revealed.