Washington calls for Iran to leave: Trump's options are between war and diplomacy
In a significant development reflecting escalating tensions between the two countries, Washington urged dual US-Iranian citizens and other American nationals currently in Iran to leave immediately. This call was accompanied by specific logistical guidelines, with the US State Department advising its citizens to use land crossings through Armenia or Turkey for safe departure, given the current circumstances.
Between military posturing and the diplomatic track
Amid security warnings, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump is pursuing a two-pronged strategy in dealing with Iran. On the one hand, the US president is keeping the option of launching airstrikes open as a possible response to the Iranian authorities' crackdown on popular protests. On the other hand, the US administration is keen to keep diplomatic channels open to explore opportunities for de-escalation or negotiation.
In this context, White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt stated, “President Trump is very good at keeping all his options on the table. Airstrikes would be one of the many options available to the commander-in-chief.” Leavitt added in a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing that “diplomacy is always the president’s first choice, and what you hear publicly from the Iranian regime is very different from the messages the administration is receiving, and I think the president is interested in exploring those messages.”.
Context of tension and risks for dual nationals
These warnings come at a time when Iran is experiencing internal unrest and widespread protests, further complicating the security situation. The United States and other Western countries have long warned of the risk of arbitrary arrest faced by their citizens, particularly dual nationals, in Iran. Historically, the issue of detained foreigners has been used as a political bargaining chip in negotiations between Tehran and the West, which explains the US insistence on their immediate departure to avoid a repeat of past scenarios involving detainees.
Expected regional and international repercussions
This escalation carries broad implications that extend beyond Iran's borders, directly impacting the stability of the Middle East. The mere threat of military action, even as a pressure tactic, puts the region on edge, particularly neighboring countries and those allied with the United States. Furthermore, designating Turkey and Armenia as transit points highlights the logistical challenges of direct air traffic and underscores the geopolitical importance of Iran's neighbors in times of crisis.
On the international level, the White House statements about “back channels” indicate an unannounced diplomatic effort that may be aimed at containing the situation before it gets out of control, leaving the international community facing a murky scene that combines the beating of war drums with attempts at diplomatic de-escalation.
