Trump Iran war decision is becoming a central focus of the conflict after Donald Trump said he faces a “big decision” over whether to resume major attacks on Iran, while a UN fact-finding mission raised concerns that two US strikes in February may have amounted to war crimes.
The US president made the comments after the UN mission reported that an American strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, was carried out despite an alleged substantial risk of hitting a civilian object. More than 150 people were reportedly killed in the attack, including about 120 children.
A separate US strike on a sports centre in Lamerd reportedly killed or injured 22 civilians, according to the UN findings.
The UN report also accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. The findings are due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Trump considers next steps in Iran war
Trump said he had not yet decided whether to launch another major military operation against Iran, describing the choice as significant.
“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” Trump told Axios.
His remarks came as the conflict remained locked in a prolonged stalemate, with the Strait of Hormuz continuing to be a major point of tension and uncertainty surrounding efforts to revive diplomatic discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump is also expected to meet leaders from six Gulf countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The countries involved are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
Trump said he wanted to hear from regional allies before deciding whether to resume major combat operations, indicating that their views could factor into Washington’s next steps.
UN raises questions over US strikes
The UN fact-finding mission said the US strike on the Minab school occurred while American forces were allegedly aware of a substantial risk that the target was a civilian object.
The reported death toll has made the incident particularly significant, with children accounting for a large proportion of those reportedly killed.
The UN findings also examined actions by Iranian authorities during anti-government protests, concluding that crimes against humanity had been committed during the crackdown.
The two sets of allegations have placed both sides of the conflict under increased international scrutiny, although the allegations concern separate incidents and actors.
Iran leaders granted US visas for UN meeting
Despite the military confrontation, the US administration has granted entry visas to senior Iranian officials who are expected to attend next week’s UN General Assembly sessions in New York.
The Iranian delegation is expected to include President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with essential support staff.
The decision comes after more than six months of conflict and amid continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts, the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
The visa decision also comes shortly after the US State Department refused visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation.
Strait of Hormuz remains key to conflict
The Strait of Hormuz continues to play a major role in the wider confrontation because of its importance to international energy supplies.
US Central Command has said American forces are helping commercial vessels move through the strategic waterway despite an ongoing blockade of Iranian maritime trade and attacks involving commercial shipping.
US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins said traffic through the strait continued to flow and claimed US forces had assisted commercial vessels carrying more than 900 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway since early May.
Iran and the US continue to make competing claims about the level of control each side exercises over the strategically important route.
South Korea weighs possible involvement
South Korea has also faced pressure over the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said no decision had been made on deploying military assets to the waterway. Earlier reports had suggested Seoul was considering such a deployment amid pressure from Washington for greater involvement in the Middle East.
Cho was travelling to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he made the comments.
China seeks restraint from Iran
China has reportedly asked Iran to use its influence over Yemen’s Houthis to help prevent further disruption around major regional shipping routes.
According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia approached Beijing after Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait increased concerns over shipping and Saudi oil exports.
Iranian sources familiar with the discussions said China privately urged Tehran to help contain the situation, although details of how the message was delivered were not disclosed.
Beijing has publicly called for restraint, dialogue and the restoration of safe navigation while seeking to protect energy routes that are important to the Chinese economy.
Russia and China block UN sanctions monitoring extension
Russia and China have also rejected an attempt to extend a UN Security Council mandate for independent monitoring of sanctions on Iran.
Eleven council members voted in favour of extending the monitoring arrangement, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained. Russia and China voted against the resolution.
The monitoring panel had been established to investigate and report suspected sanctions violations, but the Security Council has been unable to agree on the appointment of experts for the past year.
US Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said the absence of an independent panel created a monitoring gap. Her comments were part of the US government’s argument for maintaining the mechanism.
Saudi Arabia set for major US fighter jet deal
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The US State Department has approved a proposed $24.3 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, although the transaction still requires congressional approval.
The proposed package would include 48 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, 49 Pratt & Whitney engines, communications equipment, spare parts and other support.
Saudi Arabia has sought the advanced fighter aircraft for years, and the proposed deal comes as the kingdom becomes increasingly involved in the wider regional security environment.
The Saudi embassy in Washington welcomed the proposal, describing it as a further development in defence cooperation between the two countries.
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