Iran Won't Negotiate Nuclear Program Before US Meets Demands

An Iranian official stated on Monday that Tehran will not discuss its nuclear program until the United States agrees to its terms. This statement follows reports that Iran delivered a new proposal to the U.S. administration via Pakistan. According to details of the Iranian proposal, obtained by Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on its ports. Sources indicated this diplomatic move comes amid increasing military and economic pressure on Tehran.

Iran informed Pakistan of its readiness to resume negotiations with the U.S., but there has been no American response or a potential date for renewed talks. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly urged new strikes against Iran, but U.S. officials asked him to delay a decision until the Trump administration is ready for joint action. One reason cited for Trump's hesitation was that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir informed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kane that an attack on Iran would harm and postpone Israeli elections.

An Israeli security source told CNN that Netanyahu "really wanted and tried to convince Trump to carry out a joint attack on Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give the green light." U.S. officials suggested that a joint operation would be a "major effort," with some believing Trump will eventually order action, possibly after the U.S. midterm elections by the end of the year.

U.S. officials also revealed that American forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch a large-scale military operation against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from President Trump. These forces are currently deployed and equipped for potential strikes. The scope of these operations is expected to go beyond routine "mowing the grass" actions, which involve quickly repairable targets like radars and launchers, and would represent a more significant escalation than actions taken since Trump halted military activity. While Trump has not finalized a decision post-midterm elections, he appears inclined towards significant action, though past instances show he has reversed such decisions at the last minute. The White House declined to comment.