US officials believe the war with Iran is unlikely to achieve key objectives such as overthrowing Tehran’s theocratic regime or preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
US officials now believe the ongoing war is unlikely to achieve major strategic objectives that appeared possible at the outset of the US-Israeli military campaign, including overthrowing Iran’s theocratic regime and permanently putting a nuclear weapon out of Tehran’s reach, according to The Washington Post.
The report said reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global energy supplies, has emerged as perhaps the paramount objective of the conflict, as security officials reassess what outcomes are realistically achievable.
According to the report, breaking Iran’s stranglehold over the vital shipping lane could allow the United States to wind down the war while claiming a measure of success, ease an expanding global energy crisis and reduce Iran’s leverage as a deterrent against future strikes.
Senior Israeli officials cited by the report suggested that further military action could remain possible if Iran resumes ballistic missile production or moves toward developing a nuclear weapon, underscoring continuing concerns about Tehran’s long-term capabilities.
TRUMP SIGNALS POSSIBILITY OF NEGOTIATED OUTCOME
US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington is in contact with an Iranian leader and claimed Tehran is eager to reach a deal to end the war.
He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the country now has an additional five days to comply or face attacks on power plants.
Trump said Iran wants “to make a deal,” adding that there is a “very good chance” an agreement could be reached this week. He said discussions had involved US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, though he did not specify which Iranian official was involved.
Iran denied that negotiations had taken place.
Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said “no negotiations have been held with the US,” adding that “fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets,” according to the Associated Press.
NUCLEAR PROGRAMME REMAINS CENTRAL ISSUE