Trump Weighs Diplomatic or Military Path to End Iran Conflict

The White House is reportedly preparing for a post-conflict scenario with Iran, but President Donald Trump faces a critical decision regarding the ongoing, months-long hostilities. Washington's primary condition for ending the war is the resolution of Iran's nuclear program. While Trump has not yet committed to a specific strategy, both diplomatic and military options remain on the table. Senior advisor on Middle Eastern affairs, Mazad Boules, told Euronews that Trump believes the war's end is near and is personally involved in efforts to cease hostilities, though he provided no timeline, emphasizing the president's final authority. Boules reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a non-negotiable U.S. demand and that while negotiations are still an option, this core requirement will not be abandoned.

These statements coincided with a more assertive message from Trump himself in an interview with Axios, where he confirmed he is nearing a significant decision on the war's future and is considering resuming large-scale military operations against Iran. This suggests that the White House's desire to conclude the conflict does not preclude further strikes. One potential approach involves intensifying military pressure on Tehran to alter the situation before a final settlement. Trump plans to consult with leaders of Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to gather their perspectives before determining the next steps. Regional partners' views have previously influenced U.S. decisions; for instance, Saudi Arabia and Qatar's concerns about Iranian retaliation against oil infrastructure led Trump to forgo further escalation in August.

U.S. military forces in the Middle East are maintaining their current strength through the end of the year, enabling a swift return to major operations if ordered. Concurrently, the U.S. is looking beyond the immediate conflict. Boules indicated that the administration aims to expand the Abraham Accords once the current war is resolved, viewing this as a key regional initiative for Trump. This development holds direct significance for Israel, as it entails furthering relations with Arab nations. The White House is also formulating a post-war strategy focused on containing Iran and strengthening Israel's ties with its neighbors. Boules highlighted the U.S. coordination with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan as crucial partnerships.