Trump officials have begun initial discussions on what peace talks could look like with Iran, according to a new report.
Axios detailed that, in such a scenario, the U.S. would demand an agreement requiring Iran curtail its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its support for regional proxies. It would also include decommissioning three nuclear facilities bombed by Israel and the U.S. last year, strict observation protocol for any technology that could advance a nuclear weapons program, and arms control treaties with regional countries.
The outlet added that there has been no direct contact between the countries, but they have sent each other messages through intermediaries including Egypt, Qatar and the U.K.
The first two said Tehran is open to negotiations, but with extremely tough terms including a ceasefire, guarantees that the war won't resume in the future and compensation. Tehran has continuously rejected most of the terms listed by the U.S. above.
In the meantime, President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened before Tuesday.
"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump said on Saturday night.
The administration is also strategizing about ways to secure or extract Iran's nuclear stockpile, according to another report.
CBS News cited a source saying that no decision has been made yet, but planning has centered on the potential deployment of forces from the Joint Special Operations Command, an elite military unit.
Another report by the outlet detailed that the Pentagon has made specific requests to prepare the deployment of ground forces in Iran should the Trump administration decide to move forward with the decision.
It went on to say that military officials also held meetings to discuss the possible detention of Iranian soldiers and paramilitary operatives.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reacted in a statement, saying "it's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander in Chief maximum optionality."
She went on to clarify that it "does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President said in the Oval Office yesterday, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time."
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