Trump says it is unlikely that he will order new attacks on Iran if negotiations advance

Donald Trump said Sunday, in an interview with CNN, that a new U.S. military intervention against Iran could be avoided if Tehran accepts a “very strong” agreement. The U.S. president warned, however, that the U.S. military has already identified Iranian targets, including power plants and 38 bridges, and that American forces are prepared for further operations. Three U.S. aircraft carriers are in the region.

The comments came as Washington and Tehran conduct indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar. The talks focus on the conflict, Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, an essential route for energy shipments. Iran is calling for sanctions to be lifted, access to frozen assets and compensation, while the U.S. insists that the nuclear issue be addressed from the outset. Qatar says the negotiations are continuing.

Meanwhile, Washington has asked Iraq to close most of its border crossings with Iran, a request Baghdad considers difficult and that Iraqi political groups have criticized. One crossing has already been closed for security checks and to combat smuggling. Iraq’s foreign minister says the war and disruption to oil exports have caused losses of approximately $60 billion.