Trump Holds Off on Iran Strike for "Two to Three Days"...Renews Pressure for Nuclear Abandonment (Comprehensive)

No Progress in Negotiations, Hinting at Resumption of Military Action
"NATO Intensifies Discussions on Military Intervention in the Strait of Hormuz"

Reuters Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the deadline for holding off on re-striking Iran is just a few days. Vice President JD Vance also emphasized that the only options are either "Iran giving up its nuclear weapons" or "the U.S. resuming military operations." The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions directly targeting Iran's financial and oil networks, while the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began discussing ways to intervene militarily in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite mounting pressure on all fronts, there has been no significant shift in Iran's stance.

On the 19th (local time), President Trump told reporters at the White House regarding the Iranian attack that was postponed the previous day, "They asked if they could have just two or three days," and clarified, "This refers to a certain period, like two or three days—maybe Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or early next week." He thus publicly mentioned that military action could resume within several days if negotiations do not progress. The previous day, President Trump announced via the social media platform Truth Social that he had ordered the attack scheduled for the 19th to be called off at the request of Middle Eastern leaders.

That day, Vice President Vance also said at a White House briefing, "There are two options we can choose regarding the situation with Iran: either Iran agrees not to possess nuclear weapons, or the United States resumes military operations." He explained, "The current situation is fairly good, but there is also 'Option B'—resuming military operations to achieve U.S. objectives." He went on to stress, "We are ready to act immediately. We do not want to go down that path, but if necessary, President Trump has both the willingness and the capability to do so." In particular, he added, "We want Iran to pledge to cooperate with us in ensuring that it will not be able to rebuild its nuclear capabilities, not only during President Trump's term but also for years after."

However, Iran continues to assert the need to end hostile acts, lift sanctions, provide compensation for war damages, and secure management rights over the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Iran still opposes U.S. demands, especially the dismantling or long-term suspension of its nuclear program.

The Trump administration, instead of taking military action, has intensified its economic pressure. On this day, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Treasury designated as sanctioned entities several front companies that have supervised hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions on behalf of Iran’s main foreign exchange exchanges and banks that were already subject to sanctions. Nineteen vessels involved in the transportation of Iranian oil and petrochemical products were also added to the sanctions list.

In addition to U.S. pressure, NATO is also preparing a military response. Bloomberg reported that NATO is considering deploying troops to protect merchant ships passing through the strait. Initially, it was said that NATO would join a broad international coalition, including non-member countries, if one was formed after the end of the Iran war. However, as the war drags on and energy supply issues arise, policy direction has shifted. A NATO member state diplomat told Bloomberg that "NATO heads of state are scheduled to meet in Ankara, Türkiye, from July 7 to 8 to discuss the matter."

Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also said at a press conference the previous day, "The political direction is set first, and then the official plans are drawn up," and when asked if he was considering that possibility, he replied, "Of course." However, it remains unclear how NATO will escort merchant ships. The United States, which had been promoting the "Liberation Project" to extract vessels from the Hormuz region, has also temporarily suspended the initiative, citing negotiations with Iran.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.