US prepares for possible new strikes on Iran, CBS reports
Trump administration considering new attacks on Iran (Photo: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic)
The United States is preparing for possible new strikes on Iran while simultaneously trying to reach a diplomatic agreement to prevent further escalation of the conflict, CBS News reported on May 22, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
No final decision had been made on whether to launch attacks as of Friday, the outlet reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump canceled plans to attend his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding because of “state-related circumstances,” he wrote on social media. He also canceled plans to spend Memorial Day weekend at his golf club in New Jersey and decided to return to the White House, CBS News reported.
Some U.S. military and intelligence personnel canceled their weekends because of expectations of possible strikes, several sources told the outlet.
The Defense Department and U.S. intelligence agencies have also begun updating lists of reservists and personnel at overseas bases, especially in the Middle East. The preparations come amid a rotation of U.S. troops in the region and concerns over a possible Iranian response, CBS News reported.
Trump’s position remains unchanged: “Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and cannot retain stockpiles of enriched uranium,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said.
Kelly also stressed that the president is keeping all options open and that the Pentagon must be ready to carry out any decision by the commander-in-chief. Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran about the consequences of rejecting an agreement, she said.
Tehran is currently reviewing the latest U.S. proposal to end the war, CBS News reported. According to the outlet’s sources, the proposal was delivered to Iran on Wednesday, May 20, along with a warning that military strikes could resume if Tehran rejects the final offer.
Iran’s official response is expected to be delivered through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator between the sides.
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