President Donald Trump warned Iran that the U.S. could launch another massive strike if a nuclear-related deal is not reached.
The escalation increases the risk of direct conflict in West Asia, as the U.S. uses military pressure to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump said the U.S. was one hour away [3] from approving military action. He set a deadline of two to three days [1] for a possible resumption of strikes. "We may hit Iran again," Trump said.
This warning follows a direct military encounter in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. Navy fired on an Iranian-flagged tanker on May 7, 2024 [2]. The engagement took place in Iranian territorial waters, and the Gulf of Oman.
Trump said the current strategy is designed to pressure Iran into negotiations. He described the potential for "major combat operations" [4] and suggested that a war could end quickly if the U.S. acted decisively.
While the administration has projected a specific timeline, other reports indicate the timeline for strikes has shifted repeatedly. Trump said, "I'm saying two or three days, maybe ..." [1] regarding the window for action.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other military officials are coordinating the response. The administration continues to monitor Iranian activity in the region as the deadline approaches.
“"We may hit Iran again"”
The transition from diplomatic warnings to kinetic action, such as the strike on the Iranian tanker, signals a shift toward a 'maximum pressure' campaign. By setting short, public deadlines, the U.S. administration is attempting to force a rapid diplomatic concession regarding Iran's nuclear program, though the contradictory timelines suggest these may be tactical psychological maneuvers rather than fixed military schedules.
