Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased following provocative statements made by Jason Greenblatt, the former US envoy to the Middle East, in which he predicted a return of military confrontation between the two sides, with the possibility of US President Donald Trump resorting to carrying out precise strikes if the situation escalates.
In a media interview, Greenblatt explained that Trump may continue in the first stage the policy of economic pressure on Iran, through tightening sanctions and the siege related to maritime corridors and straits, in addition to the restrictions imposed on Tehran, within the framework of what he described as an attempt at a gradual "economic strangulation". The American official added that any targeting of American interests or bases or Washington's allies in the region could push Trump to a direct response, pointing out that the possibility of resorting to specific strikes remains open even in the event of no direct attacks, if the US administration loses patience, as he put it. In contrast, Greenblatt ruled out that Trump would move towards a large-scale military escalation before seeing the results of the economic pressures imposed on Iran, stressing that the likely approach would be gradual and limited in terms of military intervention. In parallel, Trump himself touched on the Iranian file, where he indicated that he had seen proposals related to a potential agreement with Tehran, but he does not expect them to be accepted in their current form, while keeping all options open, including the possibility of resuming military operations, if no diplomatic progress is made. He also spoke of Iran not yet paying "the sufficient price" as he described it, in reference to the sanctions and siege imposed on some ports and vital corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered an essential artery for global energy trade. In the same context, Iranian sources confirmed that the proposal submitted does not require lifting the restrictions imposed on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz before starting direct negotiations, at a time when Tehran is showing a readiness to discuss reopening the vital corridor within negotiating arrangements. These developments come amid continued tension in the region, amid fears that political and economic moves will turn into an open confrontation if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the crisis.
