US sources say President Trump has not given up on diplomacy with Iran even after authorizing new strikes this week, and instructed aides to convey through Qatari mediators that the attacks are a response to the drone incident that nearly killed an Apache crew — not the start of an all-out war.
The account, attributed to American sources, sheds light on the administration's dual-track approach as the US air campaign against Iran enters its second week. According to the sources, President Trump authorized fresh strikes early this week but simultaneously sent a calibrated message through Qatari intermediaries: the attacks are a measured response to the June 9 downing of a US Apache helicopter by Iranian fire — an incident US senators have called intentional — and are not a prelude to a broader war.
As The Zioneer reported, Trump's strategy has been described by Israeli analysts as "negotiating under fire" — escalating military pressure in increments to push Tehran to a deal while keeping the diplomatic channel open. The signals through Doha indicate the administration is still seeking off-ramps, even as Operation Epic Fury continues with daily strikes on Iranian infrastructure. The key remaining unknown is whether Tehran is willing to re-engage via the Qatari channel, or whether the pattern of escalation and negotiation will persist indefinitely.
- DevelopingWSJ: Trump tells aides to signal Tehran that strikes were response to Apache downing, not all-out war
- StrongSenior American official: Trump frustrated with talks, losing patience — 'violent assaults on Iran's infrastructure' ahead
- DevelopingTrump tells Fox News: 'We haven't hit Iran hard enough yet'
- StrongTrump pushes Iran toward talks via diplomatic backchannel — Israeli sources assess next phase
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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