Washington, D.C. (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement with Iran while keeping the option of intensified military action firmly on the table, as the conflict between the two countries entered another tense phase.
Speaking at the White House after more than a dozen consecutive nights of American strikes on Iranian targets, Trump said the United States has not ruled out any course of action. According to him, the administration is weighing whether to continue sustained military operations or seek a negotiated settlement if Tehran demonstrates genuine willingness to engage.
The President suggested that discussions with Iranian representatives are already underway, adding that diplomacy remains the preferred route if it can deliver lasting results. However, he maintained that the US military is fully prepared to escalate operations should negotiations fail to produce meaningful progress.
Trump also dismissed suggestions that political considerations or the election calendar would influence his decision-making, saying the administration intends to act only when it believes the timing and strategy are appropriate.
His remarks come amid an ongoing American military campaign targeting what Washington describes as Iranian command centres, surveillance infrastructure, drone storage facilities, communications networks and maritime assets. The latest round of strikes marked another night of sustained operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also highlighted continued combat readiness across the region, sharing details of military exercises involving rapid deployment systems, including HIMARS rocket launchers transported aboard military aircraft.
Meanwhile, the conflict has widened beyond Iranian territory. Iranian armed forces announced a fresh wave of drone attacks targeting US military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan under what Tehran has named “Operation Lightning.” Iranian state media claimed the strikes were part of the latest phases of the country’s retaliatory campaign against American forces in the region.
The renewed exchanges have further heightened tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns that the confrontation could expand into a broader regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.
Despite the continuing military exchanges, Trump’s comments suggest the White House is still leaving room for negotiations, signalling that Washington hopes a political resolution remains possible even as military operations continue.
