Trump: No War with Iran Likely, But Warns of Strikes on Continued Ship Attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the resumption of a full-scale war with Iran, stating, "I don't think so." However, he issued a stern warning of further military strikes should Iran persist in attacking ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a press conference following a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump indicated that any conflict would be swift, asserting, "It would be over very quickly."

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I don't think so.

Trump characterized Iran's leadership in harsh terms, calling them "sick people" and "crazy people," and dismissed engagement with them as a "waste of time." Despite these strong words, he suggested that negotiations could still proceed. He also alluded to potential further U.S. military action, stating, "We hit them very hard last night, and we probably will be hitting them again very hard tonight."

The U.S. military reported striking over 80 targets in southern Iran, including air defense systems, coastal radar installations, and approximately 60 small, high-speed boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This action was a direct response to Iran's recent attacks on three merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, the Trump administration revoked waivers that had permitted Iranian crude oil sales, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran.

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It would be over very quickly.

Iranian officials reacted critically to the U.S. actions. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a statement condemning the U.S. military strikes and unilateral measures, arguing they undermined the memorandum of understanding. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, addressing Trump's rhetoric on social media platform X, stated, "We do not respond to vulgarity with vulgarity, but with actions."

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We hit them very hard last night, and we probably will be hitting them again very hard tonight.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence reinforced the administration's stance, emphasizing that Iran's attacks on shipping lanes would be met with a stronger response. "The fundamental agreement was that we would lift the blockade, and in return, Iran would stop attacking ships," Pence said. "If they attack ships, we will strike back harder." He reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and that any attempt by Iran to close it would prompt a U.S. military response. Trump also claimed to be Iran's top assassination target, suggesting, "I am number one on their hit list." This statement appears intended to bolster the justification for potential further military action against Iran.

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We do not respond to vulgarity with vulgarity, but with actions.