Trump keeps military option open to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Voice of America
Donald Trump is keeping all options, including military action, open to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a White House official told Voice of America. The statement follows reports of US strikes under consideration against missile and drone infrastructure and Iranian nuclear facilities, the outlet reports.
Donald Trump is keeping “all options on the table” to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a White House official told Voice of America (VOA). The position comes amid reports that the US military had prepared scenarios for new strikes against Iran after the midterm elections, according to information from the Wall Street Journal reported by VOA.
The options under consideration would target Iranian missile and drone infrastructure, as well as nuclear facilities. The White House official did not comment on the existence of sensitive military plans. Tehran has warned against regional escalation and said it is open to a diplomatic solution, VOA reports.
Trump said this week that Washington was considering whether to “finish the job” or reach an agreement with Iran. He had previously ruled out military action before the US midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November. The president also says the United States is monitoring Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site.
At the UN, Iranian ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said his country’s nuclear programme was peaceful. Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the Security Council that Iran had not provided the information and access requested to verify declared nuclear material at facilities subject to the agency’s safeguards.
The White House statement follows reports of preparations for offensive scenarios in the Gulf after 3 November, published on 28 October. On 26 October, Trump called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to complete the offensive against Iran.
