U.S. Could Resume Strikes on Iran as Cease-Fire Talks Stall

The United States could end a month-old cease-fire and resume strikes on Iran, President Trump and the defense secretary said on Tuesday. The statement came as talks between the two sides reached an impasse, with each holding positions the other side considers unacceptable.

Trump told reporters in Washington that the choice for Iran was to reach a deal or face severe consequences. He made the remarks as he prepared to travel to Beijing for a summit with China's top leader. The defense secretary told a congressional hearing that the U.S. has a plan to escalate if necessary and a plan to retrograde if necessary.

He declined to provide details, saying it would not be appropriate in a nonclassified setting. Iran's demands to end the conflict include U.S. war reparations, recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the end of American sanctions, according to the state broadcaster.

Paying reparations and recognizing Iranian control of the strait would be difficult for the Trump administration to accept. A spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s national security committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, warned that Iran could enrich uranium to 90 percent purity if attacked again.

That level is considered weapons grade. It remained unclear how seriously Iran was considering the step or how capable it was after earlier strikes on its nuclear sites.

Disruption from the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has caused growing economic pain. The cease-fire has been on shaky ground as both sides raised the stakes on Tuesday. Ending sanctions would be considered only if Iran made major concessions on its nuclear program. Rezaei said only that Parliament could review the enrichment option.