The United States could launch fresh military strikes against Iran, potentially as early as the beginning of the weekend, according to remarks by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Tom Barrack. However, he did not confirm whether Trump had given final approval for an attack.

In an interview shared on social media platform X on Friday, Barrack said any new US strikes against Iran would not necessarily aim to overthrow the country’s government. Instead, Washington’s objective could be to restore balance and eliminate potential threats.

“The president is interested in restoring equilibrium so that there are no hostages or threats and the world can calm down,” Barrack said.

He added that while Trump was taking a tough stance against Iran, he had also kept the door open to resolving the crisis through diplomatic negotiations.

Barrack said Washington had set certain conditions that Tehran might be unwilling to accept. Nevertheless, Trump remained prepared to pursue a negotiated settlement, he added.

The special envoy also discussed the US security role in the Middle East, rejecting the notion that Washington should be regarded as the region’s ultimate guarantor of security.

“I have said repeatedly that we are not the ultimate guarantor, but we are an insurer,” Barrack said.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, as well as the possibility of US strikes in Yemen. Barrack warned that a miscalculation could trigger a wider conflict.

Earlier on Friday, Trump spoke to reporters before leaving Washington for Florida. He said the United States could bring the ongoing conflict with Iran to an end very quickly if it chose to do so.

However, he said his administration was weighing whether to pursue a definitive resolution to the conflict or allow Iran to become further weakened.

Trump also claimed that the United States could effectively cripple Iran. He said Washington had the military capability to take control of the country and seize its oil resources.

Trump’s remarks point to the possibility of intensified US military and economic pressure on Iran. However, no clear announcement has been made on whether a final decision has been taken to launch a new operation against the country.

Source: Shafaq News