Washington prepares to resume military strikes on Iran - media

According to CBS News, the administration of US President Donald Trump on Friday was preparing for a new round of military strikes on Iran, despite the fact that diplomatic talks were ongoing.

This is stated in the material posted on the website of the American television and radio broadcaster CBS News with reference to sources.

It is noted that as of Friday, a final decision on the strikes had not been made.

At the same time, the publication says, some representatives of the US armed forces and the intelligence community have canceled their plans for the Memorial Day weekend in anticipation of possible strikes.

Representatives of the Department of War and intelligence have begun updating the recall lists for US facilities abroad, as the queues of troops deployed in the Middle East leave the theater of military operations. It is part of an effort to reduce the presence of American forces in the region amid concerns about a possible Iranian retaliation.

Since a temporary ceasefire took effect in early April, the United States and Iran have largely refrained from military action against each other, allowing time for indirect talks on a long-term deal.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CBS News that Trump "has made his red lines very clear: Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and must not possess enriched uranium."

"The President always reserves all options, and the Pentagon's job is to be ready to execute on any decision the commander in chief may make. The President has made it very clear what the consequences will be if Iran does not make the deal," Kelly said.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on Thursday, May 21, oil prices rose by more than 1%, partially recouping earlier losses, as investors watched peace talks between the US and Iran, while tight supply and declining US inventories provided some support to the market.