Despite a ceasefire, Iran is busy preparing for war

Washington, 24 April (Agency). Although US President Donald Trump currently prefers not to restart a war with Iran, this path may still be considered. According to sources, military authorities have placed an option on Trump's desk that includes targeting those military commanders and other officials within the Iranian regime who are deemed "obstacles to negotiations." A well-informed source told CNN that US officials have recently accused these individuals of actively sabotaging negotiations.

The source also indicated that the list of potential targets may include Ahmad Vahidi, who is the commander-in-chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, a neighboring country of Saudi Arabia. A Pentagon official responded to a question about these plans by saying that due to security requirements, "we cannot discuss any future or hypothetical action." They added that the US military continues to provide the president with various options, and all these options remain on the table.

Trump has repeatedly stated in the past that the Iranian regime is fragmented and that there is no single high-ranking official with whom to negotiate. He pointed to the divisions between the Revolutionary Guard Corps and government officials involved in negotiations with the US. He believes this division is one of the major obstacles to reaching a diplomatic agreement.

On the other hand, Israel has reiterated its threats to restart the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at eliminating the "Khamenei family," referring to the son of the former Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. It was also stated that the next Israeli attack on Iran would be more lethal and different. Gallant emphasized that if war breaks out again after the end of the temporary ceasefire, "the elimination of Mojtaba Khamenei would be the first step."

Gallant also stated that Israel has clearly defined its objectives and is currently waiting for full coordination with the US to begin a new phase, dubbed "the roar of the lion." He claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, along with other Iranian leaders, is currently in hiding and facing severe difficulties in communication and decision-making.

It is worth noting that Iranian sources revealed yesterday that current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has undergone three operations on one of his legs and his face is disfigured, making it difficult for him to speak. According to a New York Times report, his contact is very limited, and only handwritten messages are possible. The report also stated that the commanders of the Revolutionary Guard Corps are avoiding meeting with him to prevent Israeli intelligence from tracking his movements and targeting him.

Mojtaba Khamenei was injured on the first day of the war, which began on February 28, while his father, Ali Khamenei, and former Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, among other high-ranking military officials, have been killed.

The US team arrived in Islamabad prior to the expected visit of Vice President Jay Dee Vines, which was postponed on April 21, after which President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran. Since then, there has been ambiguity about the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran; however, authorities in Islamabad have maintained security measures similar to those taken during the first round of negotiations.

Earlier, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, emphasized the importance of continuous negotiations and contact for regional peace in a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart, during which "the parties discussed regional developments, the ceasefire, and US-Iran relations in the context of Islamabad's ongoing diplomatic efforts."

During the conversation, Ishaq Dar stressed the importance of "continuous negotiations and contact" to resolve remaining issues and promote "regional peace and stability" as soon as possible.