The statements of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, about the conflict with Iran once again generated uncertainty. He assured that he considers the ceasefire reached between both nations to be over, although he ruled out that the recent US attacks represent a return to a protracted war.
The president affirmed that he is no longer seeking a new agreement with Tehran and maintained that Washington could “finish the job” if the situation requires it.
Uncertain course after the ceasefire
Trump’s shifting stance has cast doubt on the conflict, just weeks after both sides reached a tentative deal. While he toughens his speech and authorizes new military operations against Iranian targets, several countries maintain emergency efforts to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire and stop a new escalation in the Middle East.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are leading efforts to rescue the agreement. The United States accuses Iran of attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and delaying negotiations over its nuclear program. Tehran, for its part, maintains that Washington has failed to comply with the agreed commitments and has not guaranteed respect for the ceasefire on other fronts, such as Lebanon.
Specialists believe that Trump could use military pressure as a negotiating tool. Michael Eisenstadt, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the presidential threats seek to strengthen the US position in the talks, although he warned that an escalation could lead to a larger conflict. Ali Vaez, of the International Crisis Group, warned that coercive pressure can trigger the war that it is intended to avoid.
In addition to the military implications, a new escalation threatens to raise international oil and fuel prices, which would affect Republicans ahead of the legislative elections in November. Trump minimized that risk and defended the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, although he recognized that the oil market directly influences the US economy.
