WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump expressed on Thursday his desire to avoid military conflict with Iran, which has threatened retaliation against American bases and aircraft carriers in the event of an attack.
Trump mentioned ongoing communication with Iranian officials and hinted at the possibility of steering clear of military action. This follows his earlier warning that time was “running out” for Tehran, coinciding with the deployment of a substantial US naval fleet to the region.
When asked about potential discussions with Iran, Trump stated he had already engaged in conversations and planned to continue them. He remarked, “We have a group heading toward Iran, and hopefully, it won’t come to the point where we use it,” during a media briefing at a documentary premiere focused on his wife, Melania.
While tensions escalated this week with Washington and Brussels increasing their rhetoric, and Iran issuing bold threats, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged renewed nuclear talks to prevent a crisis with potentially devastating consequences across the region.
An Iranian military spokesman warned that Tehran’s response to any US aggression would be swift and comprehensive. Last year’s limited exchange involving American forces and Israel against Iran would pale compared to the “decisive” retaliation Iran is prepared to deliver. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia emphasized the vulnerabilities of US aircraft carriers and asserted that numerous American bases in the Gulf were well within reach of Iran’s medium-range missiles. He cautioned against American missteps, stating that any military operation would not unfold as President Trump envisions—a quick strike followed by a smooth resolution.
Iranian officials have attributed a wave of recent protests to external interference by the US and another unnamed country, accusing foreign agents of inciting “riots” and organizing “terrorist activities” to derail peaceful demonstrations driven by economic grievances. Authorities acknowledge a death toll exceeding 3,000 during the unrest but claim most casualties were security personnel or civilians targeted by rioters.
To reinforce their stance against perceived foreign interference, Tehran has erected propaganda billboards across the capital. One prominent poster depicts the destruction of an American aircraft carrier, emphasizing resilience against external threats.
A Gulf official, speaking to AFP, voiced concerns over potential US military action against Iran, warning it could plunge the region into chaos. The official highlighted the risks to global economic stability and the likely spike in oil and gas prices as direct consequences.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian via phone. According to the Qatar News Agency, both leaders discussed ongoing efforts to ease tensions and promote stability in the region.
Previously, Trump had hinted at military intervention if Iranian authorities suppressed demonstrations with excessive force during protests in late December through early January. However, his latest remarks seem more concentrated on Iran’s nuclear program—a subject of intense concern for Western powers, who suspect Tehran’s ultimate goal is acquiring nuclear weapons.
During recent comments on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his warning that time for negotiations was dwindling. He pointed to the US naval strike group stationed in Middle Eastern waters since Monday as evidence of America’s readiness for action.
