Trump Vows Continued Military Pressure on Iran Amid Negotiation Stalemate

President Donald Trump has warned of ongoing military strikes against Iran until the nation agrees to negotiate. Speaking in an interview with Fox News’ chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump stated the U.S. would continue hitting Iran hard until a deal is reached.

“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight,” said Trump during the interview. “We’re going to hit them hard tomorrow night. We’re going to hit them hard the night after.”

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported conducting strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump emphasized that these operations will persist until he decides they have been substantial.

Trump said, “Next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants. Next week comes the bridges. We’re gonna knock out all their power plants. We’re going to knock out all their bridges unless they get to the table and negotiate.”

Initially, Trump considered a 20% toll on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, he opted for Middle Eastern investment and trade deals with the U.S. instead. He prefers boosting U.S. economic engagement over imposing a fee.

The U.S. navy has reimposed its blockade on Iranian ports in the strait under Trump’s directive. He claimed success in reducing Iran’s military capabilities while acknowledging that Iran still has some ability to fight, drawing a comparison to a resilient boxer.

Trump expressed disappointment with Iran’s history of unfulfilled commitments and warned of severe consequences if they fail to negotiate.

“They want to make a deal. But every time they make a deal, they break it,” he expressed.

Trump warned, “You better make a deal, you’re not going to have anybody left. We’re being very careful with the civilian population, as you know, but I said, you better make a deal you’re going to not have anything left.”

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump mentioned that U.S. military objectives have largely been met, even though traffic through the crucial waterway has dramatically decreased. He claimed if the U.S. withdrew, it would severely hinder Iran’s ability to recover quickly.

When asked about recent activity at a nuclear facility, Trump brushed it off as a minor issue, stating the U.S. could deal significant damage swiftly.

Trump said, “We can hit that one very easily. You know, it only takes a matter of minutes for us to do it and do major damage. Major damage.”

Despite reducing Iran’s military strength substantially, Trump acknowledged that Iran still possesses some combat capability, comparing them to a boxer who can still land a punch despite being weakened.

“They’ve been degraded to a very low level,” Trump noted. “And they have fight. You know? It’s like a great boxer. You think you have him beat, and then all of a sudden he comes back, and he gives you a shot. They have some fight left, but they don’t have much.”