US President Donald Trump is increasingly considering a tougher military approach towards Iran as negotiations remain stalled and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to rise, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with internal discussions.
The report said Trump has become "increasingly frustrated" with the way Iranian leaders are handling negotiations linked to the ongoing conflict. Some aides reportedly believe he is now "more seriously considering a resumption of major combat operations than he has in recent weeks", a News18 report said.
Trump criticises Iran's negotiating stance
Speaking to reporters, Trump allegedly accused Tehran of repeatedly shifting its position during talks, particularly on issues related to enriched uranium.
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Per News18, he said Iranian leaders "change their mind" whenever negotiations appear close to progress. Trump also described divisions within the Iranian establishment, saying there are "moderates" and "lunatics" inside the leadership and claimed the "moderates are dying to make a deal".
The US President further stated that he has "the best plan ever" to end the war and dismissed a recent Iranian counterproposal as "simply unacceptable".
Trump additionally remarked that he was "very disappointed in the Kurds" while discussing attempts to arm the Iranian people.
According to CNN, the latest Iranian response which Trump reportedly called both "totally unacceptable" and "stupid" has added to doubts within sections of the administration about whether Tehran is genuinely prepared for serious negotiations.
Split inside the Trump administration
The report also pointed to divisions within the administration over how Washington should proceed. While some officials are pushing for a more aggressive strategy, including targeted military strikes, others continue to advocate diplomacy and negotiations.
The tensions come amid growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route where disruptions have intensified in recent weeks.
Iran demands end to war and sanctions pressure grows
According to Reuters, Iran has demanded an end to the war across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, where Israeli operations against Hezbollah continue. Tehran has also sought compensation for war-related damage, guarantees against future attacks, an end to the US naval blockade and the resumption of oil exports.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply, with reports saying several tankers switched off tracking systems to avoid possible attacks.
The US has meanwhile imposed fresh sanctions on individuals and companies accused of helping Iran transport oil to China, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran ahead of Trump's expected talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
