US President Donald Trump decided not to escalate the conflict with Iran, fearing that an extended war could deplete interceptor stockpiles, US officials told The New York Times on Saturday.
According to the officials, recent White House discussions have centered on the depletion of the US’s interceptor missiles, particularly since three US soldiers were killed in Jordan after an Iranian missile got through American air defenses.
US General Dan Caine has said, according the the NYT’s sources, that a return to full-fledged war with Iran was doable, but would severely reduce the amount of missiles available to US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East.
White House communications director Steven Cheung told the NYT that Trump has been “consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Straight of Hormuz or against allies.”
Cheung added that “it would be wise for Iran to work towards a negotiated deal; otherwise, they know what will happen.”
One anonymous senior US official claimed that a return to major operations against Iran would not drive them back towards negotiations, while other sources claimed that the strikes would have the opposite effect entirely, giving the Iranian leadership an external threat to focus on and rally against.
US continuing diplomatic talks, prepared for military option
Earlier on Saturday, sources familiar with the administration’s decision-making process told The Jerusalem Post that Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch a major strike against Iran.
As the president said on Friday, the United States is continuing diplomatic talks with Tehran while keeping the military option fully prepared.
“We’re locked and loaded,” Trump said, adding that Washington could escalate its military campaign “to a much higher level” if necessary, but that his preferred option remains a negotiated agreement.
