Washington: US President Donald Trump is considering whether to resume military action against Iran as the effects of the Republican Party’s crushing defeat in the mid-term elections hit the White House.
On Wednesday and Thursday Trump met his national security team in the White House as officials outlined possible military operations against Tehran. Officials told Trump about the importance of November 9, when a new moon will appear over the middle east, during the meeting, according to Fox News.
Officials explained how a lack of moonlight on the day could create perfect conditions for military action. This has raised fresh concerns that the United States could be about to resume attacks.
The talks come as Trump faces increased pressure having lost control of both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate to the Democratic Party. Several Republicans have fingered the war with Iran as the cause of their defeat.
Trump says decision over Iran attacks will be made soon
Trump has hinted that a decision could be made in the near future over whether to resume military action. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday Trump said he would consider taking further action if he felt the US needed to.
“I would rather not have to destroy the rest of the country but maybe I will have to. You’re gonna know soon,” he said.
“We’ll make a decision. We want to go ahead further. We want to certify it, and it will never happen again… I think it’s going to take them 25 years to get that country back together,” he said.
This has sparked speculation that there could be a raise in tension in the Middle East. However, there has been no official confirmation.
Will the United States take further action or give diplomacy more time?
Iran offers nuclear deal to US via Qatar
Diplomacy has continued between the two nations however.
Iran has reportedly offered the United States a deal over its nuclear programme via Qatar.
The draft deal could see Iran give their highly enriched uranium stockpile to a third country. In return Iran would agree to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in seven days time if the US agreed to halt attacks and remove sanctions. (India TV, 31st October)
While this could offer a possible way to ease tensions between the two nations, there is no confirmation the draft deal has been accepted by either the United States or Iran.
The nuclear programme is at the heart of the dispute. The United States has always made clear that Iran must give up its nuclear ambitions. However, Iran has made it clear that they cannot negotiate until the US meets their demands.
This has caused questions to be raised over whether a compromise can be reached between the two.
What happens next?
The coming days could be pivotal. Trump’s security meetings, latest comments and the reported Iranian offer have brought the prospect of military and diplomatic action to the forefront.
November 9 has been highlighted due to the meeting but it is not certain that any attacks will happen on this day. However, it is clear that the date was highlighted due to the potential for favourable conditions for military action.
The Republican’s loss in the mid terms has also made this a political crisis. Although some Republicans have blamed the conflict for their defeat, Trump has defended his approach to Iran.
For now the United States seems to be considering their next move. Whether they take military action or try to negotiate could have huge implications for Iran, the middle east and world security.
With the nuclear issue still unresolved and tensions high, there is uncertainty over what will happen next. Trump’s decision could decide whether the region enters a new stage of military conflict or attempts to negotiate again.