The U.S. decision to suspend strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure for five days does not signal an abandonment of further attacks: Washington and Tel Aviv continue to weigh more aggressive scenarios, including the seizure of Kharg Island and the deployment of ground forces to secure control over highly enriched uranium stockpiles, the New York Times reports, citing unnamed sources.

As the newspaper notes, even amid the announced pause, the U.S. and Israel continue to carry out other strikes against Iran, while additional American forces are being sent to the region. According to the outlet, President Donald Trump is still weighing more aggressive options for the operation.

Among the scenarios under discussion, according to the New York Times, is an operation to seize Kharg Island — through which the bulk of Iran's oil exports pass — as well as the possible deployment of U.S. ground forces to secure control over highly enriched uranium.

The newspaper reports that Trump decided to postpone strikes on Iranian power plants following initial contacts between American and Iranian representatives, citing "productive conversations." However, as the outlet emphasizes, American officials regard these contacts as being "at the earliest stage and not substantive in nature," while Tehran publicly denies any negotiations over terms to end the armed conflict.

According to the newspaper, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been in direct communication with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in recent days. Iran, for its part, reportedly views these contacts more as an attempt to probe possibilities for de-escalation and prevent further strikes on critical energy infrastructure.

On Monday, President Trump stated that the U.S. and Iran had held very positive and productive talks, and noted that he had instructed the Pentagon to delay strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure for five days. Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that no negotiations with the U.S. had taken place, and that fake news stories serve to manipulate markets.