WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of intensified military action while simultaneously suggesting that a diplomatic agreement with Tehran could still be reached, sending mixed signals as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
In an interview with political commentator Hugh Hewitt, Trump said the United States would launch further strikes against Iran, claiming Washington had already weakened Tehran’s military and nuclear capabilities.
“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight, and we’re going to hit them hard tomorrow,” Trump said, adding that Iran had limited ability to respond.
Shortly after the interview, United States Central Command announced that American forces had begun another round of operations against Iranian targets.
US Strikes Enter Third Consecutive Night
The latest military campaign marked the third consecutive night of US strikes against Iran following the collapse of a previous memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Reports from Iranian media indicated that explosions were heard in multiple areas, including the southwestern city of Omidiyeh, where several locations were reportedly hit.
Trump suggested the military campaign could continue for another two to three weeks, signaling that the confrontation may extend unless diplomatic progress is achieved.
Trump Calls Iran Agreement a Failed Test
Trump criticized the previous memorandum of understanding with Iran, describing it as a test of Tehran’s willingness to cooperate.
According to the president, Iran failed to meet the expectations outlined in the arrangement, leading Washington to resume military operations.
“They didn’t honour the test,” Trump said, arguing that the United States had attempted diplomacy before returning to military pressure.
The remarks came after Trump previously declared that the agreement was effectively over and accused Iran of violating its commitments.
Diplomatic Door Remains Open, Trump Says
Despite issuing threats of expanded military action, Trump said a new agreement with Iran remains possible.
“They have been stalling for 47 years, but I still think an agreement is possible,” he said.
However, he did not provide details about what a potential deal would include or whether formal negotiations were currently underway.
The comments reflected a dual approach from Washington—combining pressure through military action while keeping the possibility of diplomacy open.
Pickaxe Mountain Becomes Potential Target
Trump also identified Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified underground Iranian facility near the Natanz nuclear complex, as a possible future military target.
“Pickaxe is a possible target for a nice big fat shot right near the front door,” Trump said.
He claimed the United States was monitoring activity at the site and warned Iran that the facility could face attack.
Pickaxe Mountain contains deeply buried tunnel systems believed to be designed to protect sensitive nuclear-related infrastructure. Experts have previously suggested that such facilities could be extremely difficult to damage, even with advanced bunker-penetrating weapons.
Trump Claims US Strikes Stopped Nuclear Progress
The president argued that American military operations had prevented Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, saying Tehran would have reached that capability without US intervention.
Trump claimed repeated strikes had disrupted Iran’s nuclear program and limited its ability to rebuild damaged facilities.
Washington has long maintained that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a major national security priority, while Tehran has insisted its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.
US Moves to Control Strait of Hormuz
Trump also said the United States was taking control of security operations around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
He said Washington would ensure the waterway remained open but suggested that ships benefiting from US protection should pay for security services.
Trump proposed charging vessels a fee equal to 20% of cargo value passing through the strategic waterway.
He also said ships linked to Iran or businesses trading with Tehran could face restrictions.
Iran Shipping Blockade Announced
The president said the United States would restore a blockade targeting Iranian shipping activity, including Iranian ports and commercial vessels connected to Tehran.
The announcement follows repeated missile and drone exchanges between the two countries, increasing concerns about energy markets and global trade.
Trump also emphasized US support for Israel during the conflict, claiming American involvement was essential to Israel’s survival.
Congress Receives Formal War Notification
Trump has formally notified the US Congress that military operations against Iran resumed on July 7.
In a letter dated July 10, the president said he authorized military action to protect American citizens and advance US national security interests.
The notification could allow the administration to continue military operations under existing war powers procedures for a limited period without additional congressional approval.
Growing Concerns Over Regional Stability
The latest escalation has increased international concerns over the future of US-Iran relations, regional security, and global energy supplies.
While Trump has warned of heavier attacks and raised the possibility of targeting one of Iran’s most protected facilities, he continues to argue that diplomacy remains an option.
The coming weeks could determine whether Washington and Tehran move toward renewed negotiations or enter a deeper cycle of military confrontation.
