Iran War: The Middle East tensions continue to escalate as the United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for a possible fresh round of military strikes against Iran as early as this week, according to a report published by The New York Times on Monday.
Officials familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, said Washington and Tel Aviv are carrying out what they described as the “most extensive operational planning" since the fragile ceasefire reached last month. The report noted that the preparations suggest renewed attacks could take place within days, though no official decision has been publicly announced so far.
The latest developments come amid stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to resolve months of hostilities that began after US and Israeli strikes in late February. Talks have repeatedly failed over disagreements surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief.
According to the analysts quoted in the NYT report said the US administration is facing both military and political challenges in deciding its next move. While airstrikes remain on the table, experts believe they may not be enough to pressure Iran into accepting Washington’s demands.
“The two countries could launch a special forces operation to try to seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium… But such a raid could risk the lives of American soldiers, further straining domestic U.S. support for an unpopular war," the report said.
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The report comes a day after fresh remarks by US President Donald Trump, who once again warned Iran to strike a deal quickly or face serious consequences. Posting on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said Iran must act fast “or there won’t be anything left," adding that “the clock is ticking."
US agrees to waive oil sanctions during talks: Iran
Meanwhile, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported, citing source linked to the country’s negotiating team, that the US has agreed to waive sanctions on Iran’s oil exports during the ongoing talks.
However, an Iranian official contacted by Reuters did not immediately respond to the Tasnim report.
A senior Iranian official also told Reuters that Tehran has demanded the release of all frozen Iranian funds. However, Washington has reportedly agreed to unfreeze only 25 per cent of those funds under a phased arrangement.
The Middle East conflict started following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability since February 28.