Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 31: US President Donald Trump is considering calling on Arab nations to help bear the financial burden of the ongoing war with Iran, the White House said on Monday, even as Washington kept the door open for both diplomacy and escalation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump “would be interested” in urging Arab countries to contribute towards the cost of the conflict, adding that the President is likely to elaborate further on the matter soon.

Iran, however, has maintained a firm stance, refusing to step back without its conditions being met. In a televised address, senior military adviser Mohsen Rezaei said Tehran would not end hostilities without full accountability from its adversaries.

“The war will continue until we receive full compensation for all our losses, all economic sanctions are removed, and we receive international legal guarantees that Washington will not interfere in our affairs,” he said.

Despite the hardened public positions, the White House struck an optimistic note on diplomacy. Leavitt said indirect talks with Iran were progressing, noting that “what is said publicly is much different than what’s being communicated privately.” She also remarked that Iranian negotiators appeared “more reasonable behind the scenes.”

Providing a timeline, Leavitt said Trump continues to believe the war could last four to six weeks. “We’re on day 30 today,” she noted, indicating that the administration’s initial assessment remains unchanged.

On strategic priorities, she said reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains important but not the sole objective, stressing that broader military goals take precedence even as efforts continue to restore safe navigation in the key waterway.

Leavitt also said Trump has not ruled out deploying US troops on the ground in Iran, adding that the Pentagon is preparing multiple options for consideration.

Responding to questions about potential targeting of civilian infrastructure such as desalination plants, she said the US military would operate “within the confines of the law,” while emphasising that the President remains committed to achieving the full objectives of the operation.

She warned that Washington is prepared to escalate if diplomatic efforts fail. “This is another historic opportunity for Iran to do the right thing, or they will see the grave consequences of the United States Armed Forces,” she said.