US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran, stating that the US was ready to conduct more military strikes and potentially reimpose a naval blockade if Iran continued its aggressive actions. Trump, speaking during meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, defended recent US military actions against Iranian targets. He accused Iran of violating a requested pause for funeral ceremonies and suggested that diplomatic efforts had broken down.
Trump highlighted that Iran had resumed hostile activities after the US had temporarily paused military operations. He mentioned that Iran had started firing rockets at ships, prompting a strong US response. Trump emphasized a proportional approach, stating, “Every time you hit, we hit.”
The President hinted at the possibility of further strikes but avoided directly confirming a return to full-scale hostilities. He indicated that the US military had been instructed to expand its targeting during the recent operation, focusing on key Iranian military assets. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned that the US had targeted Iranian assets involved in threatening commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump expressed skepticism about future negotiations with Iran, describing the current situation as bleak. While he criticized Iranian leaders for negotiating in bad faith, he did not completely rule out the continuation of diplomacy. Trump acknowledged his envoys’ role in potential discussions but expressed doubts about the prospects for meaningful dialogue.
Standing alongside NATO Secretary General Rutte, Trump labeled Iran as the top state sponsor of terror and reiterated the US’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Rutte supported the US response, emphasizing the necessity of strong action against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
