Axios news website, citing a U.S. official, reported that President Donald Trump has personally taken the decision to proceed with strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, in a move tied to escalating tensions over ongoing negotiations.
However, the official added that the president could still delay the military action on Iran if he observes credible and tangible progress toward a potential agreement with Tehran before he begins destroying Iran’s infrastructure at 8 pm EST on Tuesday (Kuwait time: 3:00 am Wednesday), reports Al-Qabas daily.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal, quoting U.S. officials, said that the gap between Washington and Tehran’s negotiating positions remains too wide to bridge before the deadline set by Trump, who has warned of strikes against key Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities, should talks collapse.
U.S. officials were cited as saying that Trump’s optimism about reaching a diplomatic breakthrough has significantly declined in recent days, although the situation remains fluid and subject to last-minute developments.
The newspaper added that while strikes could be ordered once the deadline expires, negotiations could still alter the course of events.
In a related statement, the White House press secretary said, “Only President Trump knows what he will do,” adding that the world would soon learn whether military action would proceed as scheduled.
