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U.S. Readies New Pressure Campaign Targeting Iran; Trump Says U.S. Will Preserve Israel's Qualitative Military Edge if Turkey Gets F-35s
(Israel Hayom) Danny Zaken - Opposition to reviving nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran has reportedly grown within the White House in response to the conduct of Iran's leadership. The U.S. has presented Iran with an ultimatum, demanding a public declaration followed by the immediate and unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to two diplomatic sources, Iran was informed that if the strait is not reopened and Tehran does not publicly commit to doing so, it will instead be completely closed to ships and oil tankers traveling to and from Iran. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed further sanctions on individuals and companies involved in Iran's oil trade and financial sector. According to a U.S. official, the primary focus of this economic campaign will be senior commanders in the Revolutionary Guards, some of whom hold tens of millions of dollars in private accounts. In a phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday, the two leaders discussed the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Trump reiterated the longstanding U.S. position that Israel's qualitative military edge would be preserved under any circumstances.