Trump Considers Renewed Military Action Against Iran but Prefers Diplomacy Beyond August Deadline

In recent days, U.S. President Donald Trump has contemplated resuming full-scale military operations against Iran, holding several discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Keane about launching additional strikes. However, according to sources familiar with the talks cited by The Wall Street Journal, Trump has so far opted to continue diplomatic efforts and allow more time for negotiations with Tehran.

The internal White House and Pentagon debates have centered on whether to abandon diplomacy and restart extensive attacks on Iran, a move some officials described as "finishing the job" against the Islamic Republic. Trump has not made a final decision but expressed concerns that another round of broad strikes could undermine diplomacy and reduce Washington's chances of dismantling Iran's nuclear program. He also indicated he is willing to extend talks beyond the August 18 deadline for a nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Trump supports targeted strikes if Iran violates the recently signed memorandum of understanding, which has already seen reciprocal actions disrupting a fragile ceasefire established two weeks ago. On social media, Trump warned that continued Iranian breaches might force the U.S. to "militarily complete the work we started," threatening the existence of the Islamic Republic.

Trump's envoys Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner recently arrived in Doha for indirect negotiations with Iranian representatives, mediated by third parties. The talks follow a 60-day negotiation period agreed upon two weeks ago, with major sticking points including Iran's demand for billions in fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and Washington's insistence on free navigation. Tehran also refuses to accept severe restrictions on its nuclear activities, despite Trump's claims of Iranian commitments.

Pentagon briefings on military options remain routine, but recent discussions reveal Trump is exploring ways to break the diplomatic deadlock without ruling out renewed conflict. Past U.S. operations, such as "Operation Furious Wrath" launched on February 28 alongside Israel, targeted over 13,000 Iranian military sites, significantly degrading Tehran's missile and drone capabilities. Trump has repeatedly threatened to escalate military action but has so far refrained, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy unless American troops are harmed.

Efforts to reduce tensions include establishing a communication line between Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and U.S. Central Command, which some officials view as a sign of slight improvement in relations, though it remains in early stages. Trump has stated that a strong agreement would be preferable to further bombings, highlighting the high human and strategic costs of renewed conflict.