Washington D.C. – Web Desk: President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of intensified military strikes against Iran, claiming that the operations will continue tonight and that Tehran is being dealt “heavy losses” . In remarks to the media at the White House, Trump declared that the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding with Iran was a “test” that Tehran had failed to uphold .
Claims of Leadership ‘Eliminated’
President Trump asserted that “the first and second levels of Iranian leadership have been eliminated,” as the United States rapidly targets Iran’s military capabilities while working to limit Tehran’s capacity to control the Strait of Hormuz . Earlier this year, massive US-Israeli strikes on Iran had resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
Strait of Hormuz Strategy
President Trump indicated that the US role in the Strait of Hormuz would be expanded. He suggested that nations benefiting from American protection in the strategic waterway should shoulder the costs. While vowing that the strait would remain open for free navigation, he warned that sanctions could be imposed on Iranian vessels and their trading partners.
Future Negotiations Possible
Despite the escalation, Trump left the door open for future diplomacy, stating that negotiations remain a possibility “down the road.”
No Iranian Official Reaction
Iran has not issued an immediate official response to the latest US threats. However, following the initial US-Israeli strikes in February, Tehran’s leadership has consistently vowed to defend itself, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating earlier that Iran has “every right” to defend itself .
