L'Iran menace les États-Unis d'étendre le conflit

Donald Trump has reiterated his threat of returning to “strong military action” against Iran should diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to Axios on Monday, the U.S. president emphasized the urgency of resolving the crisis, stating, “We are in very deep talks to Iran. If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action.” When pressed on how long he would allow these discussions to continue, Trump responded, “Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all.” The impasse stems from a series of U.S.-Israeli strikes launched in late February, which have intensified regional instability and disrupted global trade. Tehran has consistently denied engaging in direct negotiations with Washington, asserting that while mediators may relay messages, there are no ongoing talks. A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated, “We are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States.” Meanwhile, Oman and Iran have made progress toward an agreement on managing the critical Strait of Hormuz, though major disputes remain. The strait, vital for global oil shipments, remains closed due to ongoing hostilities. The two nations held technical meetings in Tehran on Friday and Saturday, which are believed to have influenced the U.S. decision to temporarily halt its attacks on Iran. This pause followed a period of near continuous bombardment, which had raised concerns among senior U.S. officials. These officials reportedly warned Trump about the depletion of U.S. munitions and the increasing risks posed by Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases in Kuwait and Jordan. Admiral Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, advised halting the bombing campaign, noting that it had reached the limits of its effectiveness. The U.S. has framed its attacks as a response to Iranian violations of a June memorandum of understanding, particularly regarding the control of the southern route through the strait. Iran, however, maintains that this route undermines its sovereignty and violates the terms of the agreement. A diplomat noted that the goal of the Tehran talks is to align Iran’s proposal with Oman’s, ensuring compliance with international maritime law. Oman has advocated for a voluntary fee system modeled after the Strait of Malacca, where users contribute to a fund supporting environmental and safety initiatives. The International Maritime Organization’s secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, has endorsed this approach for the Hormuz strait. Iran, meanwhile, has drafted its own plan, proposing fees based on factors such as ship size and cargo volume. Despite these efforts, the situation remains volatile. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have intercepted multiple vessels attempting to navigate the strait through unauthorized routes, firing warning shots and redirecting them. These actions underscore the continued militarization of the region and the high stakes involved in any potential resolution. As the diplomatic process continues, the risk of further escalation remains a pressing concern for both sides and the broader international community.