Washington: President Donald Trump announced that the US would persist with "hard" strikes against Iran, following military actions on Iranian targets as a response to the downing of an American attack helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump stated that American forces had aggressively targeted Iran and would continue to do so. This stance appears to disregard potential impacts on ongoing negotiations aimed at formally concluding the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Trump emphasized the significance of the downed Apache helicopter, describing it as an "incredible machine" and indicating further military actions in response.
Axios reported that Trump convened with his national security team in the Situation Room to deliberate on new military actions against Iran. One proposed strategy involved a brief yet large-scale attack to pressure Iran in continuing negotiations. Key figures at the meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and others. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participated remotely from Central Command headquarters.
The White House has not yet issued a comment on these developments.
Axios earlier noted Trump's frustration with Iran's delayed response to a proposal to end the war, which has lingered for nearly two weeks without formal acknowledgment. The US launched attacks on Iranian targets after receiving no response to its inquiries. A US official highlighted that time constraints were emphasized to Iran before the attacks commenced, but Iran's response was limited despite warnings of retaliation.
Additionally, US military aircraft were informed to only target military facilities, with assurances given to Iran regarding the safety of the Apache helicopter pilots.
A potential agreement to end the conflict was within reach last month, contingent on Trump accepting terms negotiated by his team. However, he sought two amendments, including a requirement for Iran to down-blend enriched uranium and refrain from imposing tolls on the Strait of Hormuz.
During an Oval Office event, Trump asserted that US actions have influenced global oil markets, claiming covert operations to stabilize prices.
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran, ongoing since February, has disrupted global energy markets, escalating prices across various sectors. Trump's decision to heighten military actions followed the downing of the Apache helicopter amid prolonged regional tensions, which began with Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
Efforts by regional and international mediators continue to focus on reviving diplomacy and preventing a broader conflict, despite recent exchanges of strikes between Iran and Israel.