On Monday, March 23, President Trump attended a crime-fighting event in Memphis, Tennessee. He mentioned the latest developments in the operation codenamed “Operation Epic Fury,” indicating efforts to determine whether a “broader agreement” can be reached with Iran.
President Trump stated that based on preliminary talks between the United States and Iran over the past two days, he has instructed the Department of Defense to temporarily postpone the planned strikes on Iran’s major energy and power targets to assess the possibility of reaching a broader agreement.
“Now, Iran has another chance to eliminate threats to the United States and its allies, and we hope they seize this opportunity. Regardless, America and the world will soon become safer,” Trump said.
“I believe we are likely to eventually reach an agreement,” he added. “We are giving it five days, and then we will see the results.”
“In the end, it is highly likely that a very advantageous agreement for all parties will be reached,” Trump said. “The outcome will be the same whether we take decisive action against Iran or not, so it would be a good thing rather than a bad thing if we don’t have to.”
“I have been negotiating all my life, but negotiations with Iran have been going on for a long time,” Trump said. “This time, they are serious.” He also added that he believes Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.
Following this, Trump reiterated that a significant portion of Iran’s senior officials had been eliminated since the war began. He emphasized that Iran has a “final chance” to seek peace, without disclosing who the United States is negotiating with.
“We hope they seize this opportunity,” Trump said. “Regardless of the outcome, America and the entire world will be safer, and the Earth will be safer.”
Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf denied any negotiations, calling it “fake news.”
On Monday, the President once again praised America’s military victories in the war with Iran, noting the destruction of Iran’s air force, navy, and leadership.
“We have destroyed everything in Iran that could be destroyed, including their leaders,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, they could have reached an agreement.”
He added that the U.S. is currently in talks with Iran to determine whether a broader agreement can be reached.
Peninsula TV interviewed Hassan Ahmadian, an associate professor at Tehran University. He believes there are two possible scenarios ahead: President Trump may actually abandon the previously announced deadline and temporarily halt escalating conflict with Iran, or prepare to intensify attacks on Iran in five days by mobilizing U.S. forces and resources in the Middle East.
“I think Iran is preparing for both possibilities,” Ahmadian said. “We have learned from sources in the Middle East that they are attempting mediation. It seems that countries are working hard to facilitate communication between the U.S. and Iran, but Iran’s stance is very firm, stating they have not engaged in any dialogue with the U.S. so far.”
“Therefore, both scenarios are possible,” he added.
Iranian exiles on social media revealed that a significant internal turmoil erupted within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard after President Trump claimed that individuals within the Iranian regime were secretly in contact with the U.S. However, this information has not been verified.
Israeli columnist Gideon Levy expressed his belief that the negotiations with Iran are progressing smoothly, and there is hope to end the 23-day-long war.
Levy told Peninsula TV: “This time, I will take his words very seriously, and I believe Israeli leaders will too.”
“He (President Trump) speaks with passion and determination. I cannot imagine it all being false or concocted by him, despite Iran’s continuous denial,” Levy said. “There must be something planned behind the scenes.”
“I think this is very serious, and we are closer than ever to ending this war,” Levy added. He opposed the view that Trump’s actions are to delay and deploy more military forces.
“He is the President of the United States and would not joke about the lives of millions of people,” Levy emphasized.