Trump Warns Iran Over Failed Negotiations
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeated his warning that Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain could face military strikes if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.
Trump suggested that bridges and other sites could also be targeted if diplomatic efforts collapse.
Pickaxe Mountain is believed to be a heavily protected underground facility. Israeli intelligence officials suspect the location may contain materials that Iran could potentially use in the development of a nuclear weapon.
However, Trump told Fox News that negotiations were still progressing and described the recent discussions with Iran as positive.
Trump and Netanyahu Prepare for White House Meeting
Trump is scheduled to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Wednesday.
The meeting comes at a critical stage in the conflict with Iran, which has continued for around six months and created significant uncertainty across global financial markets.
The United States and Israel launched a joint campaign against Iran in late February. The conflict has since raised concerns that fighting could expand into a wider regional war.
Tensions Grow Between Trump and Netanyahu
Relations between Trump and Netanyahu have reportedly become strained in recent months.
A difficult phone conversation in June highlighted disagreements over Israeli attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
The White House has also become increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress toward ending the broader Middle East conflict.
In addition, some Trump supporters have criticised the possibility of the United States becoming involved in a prolonged regional war.
Netanyahu Seeks to Repair Relations
Netanyahu may attempt to improve his relationship with Trump during the Washington visit.
The Israeli leader is also expected to seek the president’s support ahead of an important election vote scheduled for October.
Before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu said the two leaders would discuss several major issues, with Iran at the top of the agenda.
He added that the current situation required both firm action and careful judgement.
Trump Also Plans Meeting With Zelenskiy
Trump is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Ukraine remains engaged in its prolonged war with Russia and has recently experienced additional tensions with Iran.
The dispute intensified after Ukraine reportedly fired on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. Iran remains one of Russia’s closest international allies.
Hopes for Iran De-Escalation Remain Fragile
Washington and Tehran have paused attacks in recent days, raising hopes that tensions could ease.
However, there is still no clear indication that the conflict is close to ending.
Trump said the United States was involved in productive talks with Iran and suggested that another ceasefire agreement could be possible.
Nevertheless, he warned that military strikes could resume if the negotiations break down.
US Weapons Stockpiles Raise Concerns
Trump said he suspended strikes to support diplomatic efforts.
However, reports have also suggested that the White House is concerned about the depletion of certain U.S. weapons and military supplies.
These concerns may have contributed to Washington’s decision to pause parts of the campaign.
Brent Oil Falls as Supply Fears Ease
Brent crude prices declined on Tuesday, extending their sharp losses from earlier in the week.
The fall in oil prices reflected growing hopes that the conflict could de-escalate and reduce the risk of major supply disruptions.
However, uncertainty surrounding crucial Middle Eastern shipping routes remains high.
Talks Aim to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian and Omani negotiators are reportedly working toward an agreement that could restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is essential to international energy trade but has remained largely closed by Iran for several months.
Reopening the route could ease pressure on global oil supplies and reduce transportation risks for energy companies.
Houthi Attacks Keep Gulf Risks Elevated
Despite diplomatic efforts, attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have highlighted the continuing security risks across the Gulf region.
Recent strikes on Saudi oil facilities have increased concerns about further disruptions to global energy supplies.
There are also fears that the Houthis could attempt to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The route connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and plays a critical role in the transportation of oil and other goods around the world.
