The use of military force is not Washington’s preferred path in its conflict with Iran. This was stated by Sergio de la Pena, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of the United States. He emphasized that President Donald Trump has full military capabilities to strike.
The conflict with Iran remains at the center of Washington’s attention, while military options are on the table, but not the preferred path, according to de la Pena. He emphasized that President Donald Trump has full military capabilities to strike, while military force is not Washington’s preferred path in the conflict with Iran, but Trump has full capabilities.
The situation remains dynamic and any decision depends on what is put on the table, he added. According to him, if there is a way forward, Washington will move forward in that direction. He added that three aircraft carriers are now in the region, all with their accompanying strike groups.
The president has more military capabilities than necessary if he decides to use the military option, de la Pena said. “The situation is dynamic and everything depends on what is put on the table. If there is a way forward, we will move forward.
We now have three aircraft carriers in the region, all with their accompanying strike groups, and if the president wants to use the military option, he has more military capabilities than necessary,” said de la Pena. He noted that U.S. intelligence services “have improved significantly” during the course of the conflict.
The Pentagon’s task is to provide the options, but the final decision rests with Trump. According to de la Pena, the president also listens to the recommendations of the Treasury secretary and the national security adviser. The former official recalled that Trump has promised that “he will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons”.
“If we can do the job through diplomacy, that is best. But if things are not resolved, the blockade will not go away. The ball is in Iran’s court to choose,” he said.
The statement comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran continue. The American official did not give further details about the possible steps that could be taken. He also did not specify timelines for a possible decision. But he stressed that any choice remains in the hands of the president and his national security team.