Washington - US President Donald Trump is unconvinced by the latest peace offer from Iran. Although, according to Trump, Tehran is signaling a willingness to negotiate, as the country no longer has an intact army, he is not satisfied with the current proposal. After a briefing by top military officers, including Admiral Brad Cooper and General Dan Caine, Trump left open the option of further massive air strikes. Meanwhile, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains one hundred percent in place, which, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, is putting a massive strain on the global economy.
Sharp criticism of Italy and Spain
Particularly explosive for Europe: in the course of his statements, Trump also verbally attacked Italy and Spain. The US President emphasized that he was „not happy“ with both countries, as they would apparently consider it acceptable if Iran had nuclear weapons. As a possible consequence, he suggested a reduction in the US troop presence on the Italian and Iberian peninsulas. The Italian Defense Minister Crosetto reacted promptly and stated that he could not understand the reasons for such a possible decision. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles also rejected the statements and emphasized that they would not take any lessons from Trump.
Tense situation and unclear legal situation
While negotiations are continuing by telephone via Pakistani mediators, according to Trump, the fronts are hardening at the highest political level. The Iranian Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei threatened the USA again and declared that the only place for the Americans in the Persian Gulf was at the bottom of the sea. In terms of domestic policy, Trump also caused a stir in the United States by dismissing the statutory 60-day period for military operations without the approval of Congress as unconstitutional. Despite the current ceasefire, operations in Lebanon are also continuing, with Trump calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit himself to surgical interventions in order to avoid a full-scale resumption of the war.
