Washington, 02 May (H.S.):

On Friday, US President Donald Trump articulated a binary path forward amid escalating tensions with Iran, weighing comprehensive military action against pursuing a negotiated resolution.

Trump, responding to queries following a briefing by CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, emphasized the gravity of available options. Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever? Or do we want to try and make a deal. That's the options, he stated, underscoring a preference for diplomacy on humanitarian grounds while affirming military readiness.

The president voiced dissatisfaction with Tehran's most recent negotiation offer, submitted via intermediaries in response to US amendments. They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens, Trump remarked from the White House South Lawn, noting incremental progress yet persistent shortcomings.

Trump attributed negotiation hurdles to profound disunity within Iran's leadership structure. He described it as very disjointed, comprising two to three groups, maybe four, which has fragmented decision-making and stalled progress toward accord.

Acknowledging Pakistan's recent establishment of six overland transit routes facilitating trade with Iran despite US maritime restrictions, Trump expressed approval. I know everything about it. Yeah... I have great respect for Pakistan and for the Field Marshal and for the Prime Minister, he affirmed, signaling tacit support for the development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar