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President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering the possibility of halting US military operations in Iran.
He wrote on social media that the US is very close to achieving its objectives, but in conversations with journalists, he made it clear that “a ceasefire is not wanted.”
“You can only have a ceasefire after you have completely suppressed the other side,” Trump stated.
These mixed signals from Trump emerged following disclosures by CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that American military officials are preparing to deploy ground forces in Iran.
According to CBS, citing multiple sources, discussions are also underway about managing the custody of any Iranian soldiers captured.
Is Ground Force Deployment Being Planned?
CBS, citing anonymous sources, reports that US military officials are making extensive preparations for a potential deployment of ground forces in Iran.
The report states that senior Pentagon officials have specifically requested planning for the proposed action.
Image source, Reuters
On Saturday, President Trump hinted at the possibility of halting action against Iran, which was the basis of the news leak.
However, Trump told journalists that, so far, there is no plan to deploy ground troops.
The Pentagon has not opened a path for commenting on reports regarding military intervention.
The US Central Command, which manages US military operations in the Middle East, has denied the issue of potential ground troop deployment.
Energy Market Pressure: What Is Happening?
In his latest message, Trump stated that countries using the Strait of Hormuz should be responsible for its security, while emphasizing that the US is not present in those countries.
Earlier, when Britain launched attacks on sites targeted by Iran, it allowed the use of US military bases, but Trump said this decision came too late.
Image source, EPA
Iran’s Foreign Minister accused British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of “putting British citizens at risk,” stating that “Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway for approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments.
To manage the current tensions in the energy market, the US has temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil present at sea.
Relief will be provided for 30 days on oil loaded onto tankers before March 20.
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Adair, this will add 140 million barrels of oil to the global market.
Previously, the US had also lifted sanctions on Russian oil at sea.
