Image source, Getty Images
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President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering halting U.S. military operations in Iran.
Expressing his views on social media, Trump mentioned that the U.S. is very close to achieving its objectives. However, during an interaction with journalists, he made it clear that he did not desire a ceasefire.
“When you’re completely destroying the other side, there is no ceasefire,” Trump said.
These mixed messages from Trump come as U.S. military officials have reportedly been preparing extensively for a possible deployment of ground troops in Iran. These details are being reported by U.S. partner CBS News.
According to CBS, based on information from multiple sources, the U.S. is also discussing how to handle the custody of Iranian soldiers if captured.
Is a Ground Operation Being Planned?
CBS News has disclosed, citing confidential sources, that American military officials are making detailed preparations for a possible ground troop deployment in Iran.
According to the CBS report, senior officials at the Pentagon have specifically requested planning for such a step.
Image source, Reuters
The news gained prominence on Friday when President Trump revealed he was considering “stopping” military actions against Iran.
In conversations with journalists, Trump denied any plans to deploy ground forces.
The Department of Defense has not commented on reports concerning troop deployments.
U.S. Central Command, responsible for military operations in the Middle East, has refused to provide any assessments regarding the potential deployment of ground forces.
Pressure on Energy Markets: What Is Happening?
In his latest social media post, Trump said the countries using the Strait of Hormuz must secure it themselves, adding that the U.S. is not among them.
Earlier, the UK had authorized using its military bases to aid U.S. forces in attacks on Iranian coasts targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump remarked that this decision came too late.
Image source, EPA
Iran’s Foreign Minister has accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “endangering the lives of British citizens,” warning that Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route that facilitates the transportation of nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil.
To ease the ongoing conflict’s impact on energy markets, the U.S. has temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil stored at sea.
Oil loaded onto tankers before March 20 has been granted a 30-day exemption.
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Baines, this move will add 140 million barrels of oil to the global market.
Previously, the U.S. had also eased sanctions on Russian oil stored at sea.
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