The United States is preparing for a potentially prolonged conflict with Iran, according to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. He told the Financial Times that Washington could still face a stalemate a year from now, while the administration keeps tightening economic pressure on Tehran.
The United States is preparing for a potentially prolonged conflict with Iran, even though President Donald Trump's administration hopes military strikes and economic sanctions will force Tehran into major concessions. The Financial Times reported the position on Friday, citing Waltz.
Waltz warns of a possible stalemate
Waltz told the FT that Washington could still face a stalemate a year from now, with no agreement on Iran's nuclear programme and no return to prewar shipping levels through the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that the U.S. Navy could maintain its blockade of Iranian ports for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the administration is tightening economic pressure on Tehran.
Threats of a new offensive after the midterms
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu renewed threats of a possible fresh offensive after the Nov. 3 U.S. midterm elections, the FT reported.
Trump initially expected the conflict to last four to five weeks. It is now approaching its ninth month and has disrupted energy exports, pushed fuel prices higher and contributed to shortages of fertiliser and other commodities.
Waltz said Washington's strategic objectives would not be achieved until Iran's highly enriched nuclear material was dealt with and a meaningful agreement on domestic uranium enrichment was reached.
Source: Investing.com
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