Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could launch fresh strikes on Iran as early as Sunday, October 25, as efforts to reach a peace deal remain stalled. The conflict, which began on February 28, continues with both sides holding their ground over key demands.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Florida on Saturday evening after casting his vote in the midterm elections. He also defended his administration’s military action against Iran and praised the performance of the US armed forces.
“Do you really think I’d tell you that? Maybe tomorrow…There’s a possibility I will. There’s also a possibility we’ll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement. They want to make a deal, but the problem is, will they hold the deal?” Trump told reporters.
He also claimed that the US military had dealt major blows to Iran’s military capabilities.
“We have done an amazing job. Our Navy and military have done an amazing job. They have knocked out every jet fighter of Iran. 259 ships are at the bottom of the sea. They are only left with record inflation,” he added.
Trump Warns Iran of Fresh Military Action
Trump’s latest comments came less than 24 hours after he warned Iran of another possible round of military action under what he called a “little Epic Fury”. He also urged Tehran’s leadership to accept a peace agreement.
Operation Epic Fury was the name given to the US military operation launched against Iran in February. Despite Trump’s warnings, a final agreement between Washington and Tehran remains out of reach.
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Türkiye, had also suggested recently that Washington could resume strikes against Iran over the weekend. Trump had brushed aside his remarks but has now indicated that fresh military action remains a possibility.
Nuclear Programme and Strait of Hormuz at Centre of Dispute
The United States wants Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes.
Tehran has rejected Washington’s demands. Pakistan’s Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, recently visited Tehran and met Iranian leaders. During the visit, he reportedly urged Iran to hand over its enriched uranium, but the Islamic Republic refused.
Iran has also conveyed through Pakistan that it remains open to reopening the Strait of Hormuz if Washington lifts its blockade. However, Tehran has accused Trump of rejecting the proposal.
“Iran fundamentally does not accept any equation of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the blockade,” Iran International quoted sources as saying.
Tensions Continue as Peace Efforts Stall
With Washington and Tehran still divided over the terms of a settlement, the possibility of further military action remains a concern. Trump’s latest remarks suggest that the United States could either move towards a fresh round of strikes or reach an agreement, depending on how negotiations develop.
For now, there is no confirmed announcement of a new US strike on Sunday. The coming hours could prove important as both sides continue to weigh their options amid the ongoing conflict.