US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States may launch further strikes on Iran, just a day after saying he had paused a planned major assault in hopes of securing a peace deal.
Image: The Guardian
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been “an hour away” from ordering renewed military action before deciding to hold off, as diplomatic efforts continue to end a conflict that began in late February.
“You know how it is to negotiate with a country where you’re beating them badly. They come to the table, they’re begging to make a deal,” Trump said. “I hope we don’t have to do the war, but we may have to give them another big hit.”
Iran rejected Trump’s characterization of the situation and warned of consequences if hostilities resume. Iranian military officials said they would “open new fronts” against the United States, while also claiming they had strengthened their capabilities during the ceasefire period.
Iranian officials also escalated rhetoric, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referencing claims that Iranian forces had downed a US F-35 fighter jet, and warning that any return to conflict would bring “many more surprises.”
The renewed exchange comes amid ongoing tensions following a fragile ceasefire declared in April, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of violations and maintaining military pressure in the region.
Meanwhile, regional instability has continued to widen, with recent drone and air incidents involving Gulf states and ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon adding to fears of broader escalation.
Despite the rhetoric, diplomatic contacts between the two sides have not fully collapsed, with both Washington and Tehran indicating that negotiations remain possible, though far from resolution.
