Trump wants to give diplomatic negotiations more time, but reserves the option of using military force against Iran should negotiations break down.
According to the Wall Street Journal, after convening a meeting of his national security team to receive an update on the situation in Iran, US President Trump has not yet made a formal decision on whether to launch a new military strike against Iran, but instead indicated that he is willing to give diplomatic negotiations "more time."
Several U.S. officials pointed out that Trump emphasized during the meeting that military action remains a "reserved option" rather than the "only option" until diplomatic channels have been completely exhausted.
Iran proposes a swap deal in the Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran has also put forward specific counter-proposals. According to Saudi Arabian media outlet Alhadath, Iran plans to open the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil shipping route, as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States.
Iran also demanded that two key issues be discussed first before any formal agreement is signed: the lifting of US economic sanctions against Iran and the return of frozen Iranian funds.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for approximately 20% of global oil trade, handles over 30 million barrels of oil per day annually and is one of Iran's most powerful negotiating leverages.
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