Trump Expresses Hope for Iran Deal Amid Escalating Tensions
US President Donald Trump has stated he is hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran, even as tensions escalate following a stark warning from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei cautioned that any American attack on Iran would trigger a "regional war" across the Middle East, heightening fears of a broader conflict.
Khamenei's Stark Warning on US Aggression
According to Iranian state media, Ayatollah Khamenei declared, "We are not the ones who start a war and we do not want to attack any country. But if America attacks or harms Iran, the Iranian nation will deliver a strong blow, and any war started by America will spread across the region." This statement underscores the volatile situation as both nations signal readiness for talks while maintaining a firm stance.
Trump's Ambiguous Stance on Military Action
Speaking to reporters, President Trump remained non-committal about his final decision on using force against Iran. He has repeatedly threatened military intervention, urging Tehran to halt its deadly crackdown on protesters and agree to a deal that excludes nuclear weapons. "Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we do make a deal, that’s good. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens," Trump remarked, adding in response to Khamenei's warning, "If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right."
Human Rights Toll in Iran's Crackdown
The US-based HRANA rights group reports a confirmed death toll of 6,713 in Iran's deadly crackdown, with 17,091 cases still under investigation. Among the deceased, 137 were under 18 years old, highlighting the severe impact on youth. The breakdown includes 6,305 protesters, 214 members of government-affiliated forces, and 57 civilian non-protesters. Additionally, 11,021 civilians have been injured, with 84 student arrests, 295 forced confessions, and 11,028 summonses documented, painting a grim picture of the internal unrest.
US Diplomatic Pressure and Ultimatums
Matt Whitaker, the US representative to NATO, emphasized that the Trump administration has issued an ultimatum to Iran, stating "the ball is in [Iran’s] court." He clarified Trump's demands, saying, "The president has been very clear on Iran, you can't have a nuclear weapon, and you need to stop killing protesters in your streets, and that’s a pretty clear red line." Whitaker noted that the US is backing this stance with a naval armada stationed near Iran, serving as both a show of strength and an offering for negotiation.
Iran's Diplomatic Moves and Distrust
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed confidence in reaching a deal with the US on Tehran's nuclear program, but highlighted a loss of trust in America as a negotiating partner. He warned that certain parties are attempting to drag Trump into a war for their own gain, urging for meaningful talks based on trust. Meanwhile, Iran's parliament speaker declared all European Union militaries as terrorist groups, retaliating against the EU's designation of Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terror group over the crackdown.
Editorial Calls for Caution
Editorials caution that a misstep by America in the Middle East could be catastrophic, advocating for resolution through negotiation. They note that while Trump's offer to preserve the Iranian regime in exchange for ending its nuclear program seems compelling, the situation requires careful handling to avoid escalating into a wider conflict.
