WASHINGTON, 12 May. - (ANA) - Retired US Army general HR McMaster, who served as national security adviser during President Donald Trump's first term, says he expects renewed American attacks on Iran, suggesting escalation is more likely than a durable diplomatic settlement.

 

Speaking on CNN, Mr McMaster was asked whether he expects full-scale military action to resume. He replied: “Yes, I do. This shouldn't be a surprise to anybody ... the Iranian regime remains intransigent. Look at how many off-ramps they drove past.

 

"I think the chances are quite high there will be a continuation of this campaign [and] there will probably be an effort to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz, which is in our capabilities."

 

He said he held this view because of what he described as Iran’s intransigence and the likelihood that Mr Trump would reject any unacceptable agreement.

 

Mr McMaster said Iran continued to misread US resolve, framing tensions as the result of decades of hostility and repeated missed opportunities for de-escalation.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/12 May 2026 - - -