Washington: US President Donald Trump has signalled the possibility of launching another round of military strikes against Iran, as reports indicate Washington is weighing fresh action amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland on Friday, Trump said the United States was prepared to increase pressure on Tehran, accusing Iranian leaders of misleading Washington during previous engagements. He suggested that sustained military action could eventually force Iran to back down, while reiterating that the United States intended to prevail.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has instructed the US military to prepare operational plans for another offensive against Iran. However, the report noted that the President has not yet given the final approval to proceed with the strikes.
Separately, CBS News reported that US and Israeli officials are discussing a potential campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, including refineries and other strategic facilities. If approved, the operation could become one of the most significant attacks on Iran’s energy sector in recent years and may also mark Israel’s return to active combat operations following the fragile ceasefire reached last month.
The report added that officials are considering completing any military action before global financial markets reopen on Monday, amid concerns that a prolonged conflict could trigger volatility in international energy markets. Israeli authorities are reportedly coordinating closely with their US counterparts as discussions continue.
Following Trump’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration remained committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons during Trump’s presidency. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also said the US military was fully prepared should the President authorise further action.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of continuing hostilities that began after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Although a ceasefire was announced last month, sporadic exchanges of missile and drone attacks have continued, keeping tensions high across the region.
The conflict has also affected global trade and energy routes. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted shipments of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilisers, while regional attacks have impacted maritime operations in the Persian Gulf. Reports also indicate that two LNG-carrying vessels near Egypt’s Damietta Port were recently targeted in drone attacks, further heightening concerns over the security of key shipping routes.
With military planning reportedly underway and diplomatic efforts yielding little progress, the prospect of renewed US military action against Iran has intensified concerns over regional stability and its potential impact on global energy supplies.
