US President Donald Trump has suggested that American forces could launch fresh strikes against Iran as early as Sunday, even as he indicated that a diplomatic agreement remained possible. Tehran, meanwhile, has denied reports that it offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting its naval blockade.
Speaking to reporters in Florida after casting his ballot on Saturday, Trump claimed Iran wanted a deal but questioned whether the country would honour any agreement reached with Washington.
"Do you really think I would tell you that? Maybe tomorrow...There's a possibility I will. There's also a possibility we'll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement. They want to make a deal, but the problem is, will they hold the deal?" Trump said when asked about the possibility of renewed military action.
Defending his administration's military campaign, he added, “We have done an amazing job. Our Navy and military have done an amazing job. They have knocked out every jet fighter of Iran. 259 ships are at the bottom of the sea. They are only left with record inflation.”
Tehran rejects claims of Hormuz proposal
Iran has denied reports that it offered to restore access through the Strait of Hormuz if the US ended its naval blockade.
According to the Tasnim news agency, Iran has not submitted any such initiative through Pakistan, which has been involved in mediation efforts.
Press TV, citing sources quoted by Tasnim, described the claims published by a Saudi Arabian media outlet as “a lie and fabrication”. The Saudi report had said Tehran conveyed the proposal to the US administration through Pakistani mediators.
US intelligence flags threats to diplomats
Meanwhile, US intelligence agencies have reportedly detected a significant increase in Iranian attempts to target American diplomats and government officials in the Middle East and elsewhere.
According to an October 23 memo obtained by Axios, some suspected plots involving potential loss of life have reached “advanced stages”, raising concerns among US security officials.
The threat assessment has prompted the State department to reduce staffing at several US embassies in the Middle East.
Washington is also monitoring the possibility of Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen widening their campaign of attacks beyond Saudi Arabia to other countries in the region, amid fears that escalating hostilities could put American personnel and diplomatic facilities at greater risk.