Mixed signals are being sent on the direction of the conflict with Iran as multiple reports claim ground forces are on their way to the region, while President Donald Trump pushes for a peace deal.
During a White House press briefing Wednesday afternoon, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored that talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing, just as Iranian state media claimed to have rejected a proposed peace plan, adding that the Islamic regime is not negotiating with the U.S.
Trump and Leavitt continue to describe the talks as “productive,” with the president telling reporters Tuesday that the U.S. is dealing with the right people. However, Trump has been tight-lipped about who the U.S. is talking with in Iran.
The debate over the talks comes amid reports that up to 3,000 ground forces are en route to the region, including the elite 82nd Airborne Division.
Leavitt confirmed that more than 9,000 targets have been struck in Iran since the conflict began, noting over 140 Iranian vessels have been destroyed.
The press secretary sent a sharp warning to the Iranian regime.
“Trump does not bluff. He is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt told members of the press. “The president’s preference is always peace … But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been militarily … The president will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.”
Over the weekend, the president gave Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the U.S. would strike its power infrastructure.
In a later post, the president backed down from the threats, saying he has “instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”
Leavitt maintains the Iranian regime is being “crippled,” arguing that the Islamic Republic is looking for an “exit ramp.”