US, Israel Said Ready to Renew Strikes on Iran Within Days if Talks Fail
Summary
- A report said the US and Israel plan to resume airstrikes on Iran if negotiations to end the conflict fail to make progress.
- Iran is seeking to limit any agreement to ending the war, lifting restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and easing financial sanctions, the report said.
- If no deal is reached, a short round of strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and other economic targets would follow.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
The US and Israel are prepared to resume airstrikes on Iran within days if talks to end the conflict show no progress, while mediators are making a last-ditch effort to prevent that outcome, The Wall Street Journal reported on May 22.
The goal of the current talks is to extend a ceasefire that has been in place since May 8 and secure either a letter of intent, or LOI, or a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, laying out a framework for future negotiations, the Journal reported.
The Trump administration wants any agreement to include steps to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, meanwhile, wants any immediate deal limited to ending the war, lifting restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and easing financial sanctions. President Donald Trump has insisted Iran must agree to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years and turn over to the US its entire stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.
Pakistan and other regional countries involved in the talks are trying to narrow differences between Washington and Tehran. If even a limited agreement cannot be reached, the US and Israel plan to carry out several days of short airstrikes on economic targets including Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on May 22 to intensify efforts to prevent a renewed outbreak of hostilities, a sign the talks have reached a critical juncture, the Journal said.
A Qatari delegation is also in Tehran. Saudi Arabia warned Iran earlier this week that failing to reach a deal now could trigger further escalation, according to the report.
A person cited by the Journal said Trump has repeatedly warned this week that he would resume attacks on Iran if no agreement is reached, and that Israel would join any renewed US assault.
Israel is concerned that Trump may agree to a deal that does not sufficiently curb Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a tense call on May 19 and clashed over their positions, the report said.
Choi Su-jin, Hankyung.com reporter, naive@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
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