The 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel has ceased with a ceasefire. The United States played a crucial role in this, although Iranian nuclear plants suffered substantial damage from American strikes.
President Donald Trump recently hinted at potentially easing sanctions on Iran shortly. Speaking to the media, he mentioned, 'Iran will require funds for its reconstruction, and oil could be a way forward. There are no issues if China decides to purchase oil from Iran.'
Nevertheless, Trump maintained that the 'maximum pressure' strategy on Iran remains, although some sanctions might be relaxed to aid rebuilding efforts.
At the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump emphasized the financial necessity for Iran to rebuild after the war. 'We want to see this happen,' he remarked. They are shrewd oil traders, and Trump mentioned, 'If I wished, I could sell oil to China, but I choose not to. If Iran wants to sell its oil, let them do so. We're not capturing their oil assets.'
Donald Trump's statements came a day after the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. He reiterated his stance from the previous day—no objections if China purchases oil from Iran. The White House clarified that it remains committed to the policy of sanctions on Iranian oil.
During a conversation with CNBC, U.S. Special Envoy for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Whitaker emphasized that Trump's comments were to assure China of cooperation without economic harm.
Trump posted on Truth social media platform, encouraging China to increase its oil purchases from Iran. Achieving this would be a significant honor for him.
Trump Compares Iranian Strikes to Hiroshima-Nagasaki
Donald Trump compared the strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, stating, 'This attack put an end to the war between Iran and Israel. Although I hesitate to compare it to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this action concluded the conflict. Without it, the war might still be ongoing.'
Iran's Nuclear Program: 400kg of Uranium Secured, IAEA Links Severed
In pursuit of nuclear capabilities, Iran has taken significant measures, including securing 400 kilograms of uranium and passing legislation to cease sharing information with the IAEA. According to U.S. reports, Iran has retained 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, capable of constructing at least ten nuclear bombs, transported to a confidential location. Iran's parliamentary speaker announced acceleration in their civilian nuclear program. Meanwhile, Iran has sentenced Mossad spies to death, presenting new challenges for both Israel and the U.S.
Iran Attack: Nobel Ambit or War Antics?
With Trump's claims of destroying three Iranian nuclear sites, the world questioned the evidence behind these assertions. Has the objective set by Israel and the U.S. been achieved? Does Iran still possess nuclear capabilities?
Speculation abounds if the bombing set Iran's nuclear efforts back several years. Shortly after the attack, a ceasefire was declared by Trump, driven in part by ambitions for a Nobel Peace Prize, aiming to join the ranks of five American presidents who have received the award.
Question is if haste was demonstrated in attacking Iran, as American reports suggest minimal damage to Iran—claims corroborated by U.S. media, leaving Trump exasperated.
The New York Times and CNN published reports highlighting that the U.S. strikes inflicted limited damage on Iran, suggesting that within months, Iran might rebuild its nuclear arsenal.
A New York Times-published classified Defense Department report reveals that the American bombing merely set Iran's nuclear program back a few months, not annihilated it.
Reports state that two nuclear facility entrances were sealed, yet underground structures endured. American Defense Intelligence reports estimate Iran's nuclear program delay to be less than six months.
It alleges that Iran secured its enriched uranium before the strikes, minimizing nuclear material destruction. It’s surmised that Iran relocated its uranium to a secret, undisclosed location.
Israeli officials echo sentiment that Iran established enrichment facilities unknown to the world as Iran anticipated Israeli and American attacks.
Ensuring minimal damage to its nuclear program from such attacks was a priority for Iran.
American media outlets like CNN published official reports that Iran's three nuclear facilities weren't completely destroyed.
The Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites encountered some damage, but very little. CNN asserted that Iran's uranium stock is intact, with centrifuges still operational.
Prior to the strikes, some former American military officials suggested that to devastate Iran's Fordow facility 250 feet underground, concentrated airstrikes might be required over several days, perhaps weeks, to obliterate the site fully.
On Saturday, American aircraft targeted a spot twice as B-2 Bombers deployed 12 GBU munitions, also known as bunker busters.
Following Trump's press address after the February 22 Iran attack, he used the term 'obliteration' concerning nuclear facilities, a claim later challenged.
The American Senate will be briefed on Thursday regarding the strikes, where questions are anticipated from senators.
Amid reports, chaos erupted in America as Trump's world-changing, protective strike claims were perceived as ineffective by his administration's own classified report.
Trump dismissed these media reports as 'fake news' on social media, labeling them fraudulent.
In The Hague, questioned on this report, Trump alternated between blaming Defense Secretary Pete Hexet or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding assurances of complete nuclear site obliteration.
