US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Oct 25) suggested that he was weighing whether to make a deal with Iran or launch a military action against the Islamic Republic. This comes amid heightened uncertainty about Trump’s decisions over resuming strikes on Iran ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections in 2026. Meanwhile, talks have remained stalled between Washington and Tehran.<h2>Will Trump strike Iran on Sunday?</h2>While departing for a campaign rally in Michigan, Trump was asked whether he was planning a military action against Iran as early as Sunday.“Would I tell you that?” Trump told reporters outside the White House. He added, “But the answer is no. There will not be a strike.”<h2>‘The only question’</h2>The latest remarks come after Trump suggested that he was facing a binary choice between diplomacy and escalating military operations.In an interview aired on Fox News on Sunday, Trump said, “Do I make a deal with them, or do I finish them off? That’s the only question.”During the interview, Trump claimed that Washington had control over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic maritime route has been disrupted since the war began in February after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. The disruption has skyrocketed the price of oil across the world.“We get everything, they get nothing,” Trump said.Trump’s comments came as tensions with Iran escalated, with Washington keeping both military action and a negotiated settlement on the table. Speaking on Saturday, he said the US could strike Iran but also held out the prospect of reaching a “nice, big, beautiful agreement” with Tehran.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US of hampering efforts to bring the war to an end. He said, however, that Iran was still willing to reach an agreement.

US President Donald Trump ruled out a strike on Iran on Sunday but raised the possibility of renewed military action, asking whether to strike a deal with Tehran or “finish them off” as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Oct 25) suggested that he was weighing whether to make a deal with Iran or launch a military action against the Islamic Republic. This comes amid heightened uncertainty about Trump’s decisions over resuming strikes on Iran ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections in 2026. Meanwhile, talks have remained stalled between Washington and Tehran. Will Trump strike Iran on Sunday? While departing for a campaign rally in Michigan, Trump was asked whether he was planning a military action against Iran as early as Sunday. “Would I tell you that?” Trump told reporters outside the White House. He added, “But the answer is no. There will not be a strike.” ‘The only question’ The latest remarks come after Trump suggested that he was facing a binary choice between diplomacy and escalating military operations. In an interview aired on Fox News on Sunday, Trump said, “Do I make a deal with them, or do I finish them off? That’s the only question.” During the interview, Trump claimed that Washington had control over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic maritime route has been disrupted since the war began in February after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. The disruption has skyrocketed the price of oil across the world. “We get everything, they get nothing,” Trump said. Trump’s comments came as tensions with Iran escalated, with Washington keeping both military action and a negotiated settlement on the table. Speaking on Saturday, he said the US could strike Iran but also held out the prospect of reaching a “nice, big, beautiful agreement” with Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US of hampering efforts to bring the war to an end. He said, however, that Iran was still willing to reach an agreement.

US President Donald Trump ruled out a strike on Iran on Sunday but raised the possibility of renewed military action, asking whether to strike a deal with Tehran or “finish them off” as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

‘Do I make a deal or finish them off’: What Trump said on resuming Iran strikes

The United States has announced the completion of a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, targeting missile sites, drone facilities, naval assets, and coastal defense systems near the Strait of Hormuz. According to CENTCOM, fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels carried out precision attacks during a seven-hour operation aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims it has retaliated by striking facilities linked to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, as tensions across the Gulf continue to escalate.

US Launches fresh airstrikes on iran as irgc targets u.s. Fifth fleet in bahrain  

US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Iran as the "Islamic Republic of Japan" while speaking about a missile attack on a US aircraft carrier. The President claimed that the "Islamic Republic of Japan" had fired 111 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln and said every missile was intercepted.&nbsp;“We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan. They shot our aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) for over one hour, and every one of them was knocked down," the POTUS said.&nbsp;His remarks appeared to confuse Japan with Iran while referring to an earlier incident involving Iranian forces and a US aircraft carrier.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: The Islamic Republic of Japan attacked our aircraft carrier. <a href="https://t.co/DpxVXvxrr3">pic.twitter.com/DpxVXvxrr3</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2074842799258701977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Japan is a long-standing US ally and has not been involved in any military hostilities with Washington for nearly a century. The country is a constitutional monarchy and has a small Muslim population.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-ve-had-a-bit-of-luck-but-trump-claims-iran-plotting-to-assassinate-him-1783530723861">‘I’ve had a bit of luck, but…’: Trump claims Iran plotting to assassinate him</a><h3>Trump says action against Iran will be swift</h3>Trump made the comments at a time of renewed tensions with Iran after a ceasefire collapsed and the United States carried out military action against Iranian positions.&nbsp;The US President also vowed to take further action against Iran. He described the country's leaders as "s*um" and said the United States could take control of Kharg Island and restore a blockade on Tehran's ports.&nbsp;Later on Wednesday, Trump said he expected the latest military escalation with Iran to end quickly despite earlier declaring that the ceasefire was "over".&nbsp;"I think anything that happens is going to be over very quickly and will only make it safer, including for oil... Anything that happens is going to happen very fast. We're not looking for long-term," he said at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Ankara.

Trump said he expected any renewed military escalation with Iran to end quickly and improve regional security, despite earlier declaring the ceasefire was “over.”

US President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Iran as the "Islamic Republic of Japan" while speaking about a missile attack on a US aircraft carrier. The President claimed that the "Islamic Republic of Japan" had fired 111 missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln and said every missile was intercepted. “We had 111 missiles shot by the Islamic Republic of Japan. They shot our aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln) for over one hour, and every one of them was knocked down," the POTUS said. His remarks appeared to confuse Japan with Iran while referring to an earlier incident involving Iranian forces and a US aircraft carrier.

Trump said he expected any renewed military escalation with Iran to end quickly and improve regional security, despite earlier declaring the ceasefire was “over.”

Watch | Trump's off-script 'Islamic Republic of Japan' remark sparks attention amid Iran tensions

The US launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iranian targets early on Wednesday (July 8) after three commercial vessels were reportedly attacked in waters off the coast of Oman, marking another escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;The strikes came after the US accused Iran of targeting civilian-crewed merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. While the US military described the operation as a response to Iranian aggression, Tehran has warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests.<h2>What triggered the US strikes?</h2>The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began carrying out a series of "powerful strikes" against Iranian targets following attacks on three commercial vessels operating in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-on-iranian-targets-after-merchant-ships-hit-off-oman-1783460027337">US 'violates MoU', launches fresh strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on vessels in Hormuz</a>&nbsp;According to CENTCOM, the military action was intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for targeting merchant ships crewed by civilians.&nbsp;The US military described the alleged attacks as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." However, it did not disclose which Iranian facilities or assets were targeted, and no immediate information was released regarding casualties or damage.<h2>Explosions reported across southern Iran</h2>Iranian media reported multiple explosions in southern parts of the country shortly after the US announcement.&nbsp;According to state and semi-official media reports:<ul><li>Explosions were reported near Sirik, Qeshm and Bandar Abbas.</li><li>Iranian state media said blasts were heard both east and west of Bandar Abbas.</li><li>Projectiles reportedly struck a commercial pier in Sirik.</li><li>A fishing pier in the nearby village of Ziyarat was also reportedly hit.</li><li>Seven separate explosions were reported at Sirik port.</li><li>Mehr News Agency said no military or regional authorities had immediately confirmed the cause of the explosions.</li></ul>The extent of damage or possible casualties has not yet been confirmed.<h2>Why did the US launch the operation?</h2>CENTCOM said the strikes were a direct response to attacks on commercial shipping in the waters off Oman. In its statement, the command said the operation was aimed at imposing high costs on Iran for what it described as attacks against innocent civilian crews navigating an international waterway.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-revokes-iran-oil-waiver-after-hormuz-tanker-attacks-tightens-sanctions-1783453541771">US revokes Iran oil waiver after Hormuz tanker attacks, tightens sanctions</a>&nbsp;The US military maintained that the action was taken in response to Iran's alleged aggression and the violation of an existing ceasefire.

The US launched military strikes on southern Iran following alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, causing explosions near key ports like Bandar Abbas.

The US launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iranian targets early on Wednesday (July 8) after three commercial vessels were reportedly attacked in waters off the coast of Oman, marking another escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The strikes came after the US accused Iran of targeting civilian-crewed merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. While the US military described the operation as a response to Iranian aggression, Tehran has warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests. What triggered the US strikes? The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began carrying out a series of "powerful strikes" against Iranian targets following attacks on three commercial vessels operating in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: US 'violates MoU', launches fresh strikes on Iranian targets after attacks on vessels in Hormuz According to CENTCOM, the military action was intended to impose "heavy costs" on Iran for targeting merchant ships crewed by civilians. The US military described the alleged attacks as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire." However, it did not disclose which Iranian facilities or assets were targeted, and no immediate information was released regarding casualties or damage. Explosions reported across southern Iran Iranian media reported multiple explosions in southern parts of the country shortly after the US announcement. According to state and semi-official media reports: Explosions were reported near Sirik, Qeshm and Bandar Abbas. Iranian state media said blasts were heard both east and west of Bandar Abbas. Projectiles reportedly struck a commercial pier in Sirik. A fishing pier in the nearby village of Ziyarat was also reportedly hit. Seven separate explosions were reported at Sirik port. Mehr News Agency said no military or regional authorities had immediately confirmed the cause of the explosions. The extent of damage or possible casualties has not yet been confirmed. Why did the US launch the operation? CENTCOM said the strikes were a direct response to attacks on commercial shipping in the waters off Oman. In its statement, the command said the operation was aimed at imposing high costs on Iran for what it described as attacks against innocent civilian crews navigating an international waterway. Also read: US revokes Iran oil waiver after Hormuz tanker attacks, tightens sanctions The US military maintained that the action was taken in response to Iran's alleged aggression and the violation of an existing ceasefire.

The US launched military strikes on southern Iran following alleged Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, causing explosions near key ports like Bandar Abbas.

US launches strikes on Iran: What we know about fresh attacks

The US Air Force used its B-1B Lancer bombers to conduct long-range strikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting ballistic missile capabilities.

The US Air Force used its B-1B Lancer bombers to conduct long-range strikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting ballistic missile capabilities.

'B-1 bombers over Iran': What are they and how did they penetrate Iranian airspace to strike ballistic missile targets?

The Pentagon has confirmed that American aircraft deployed a mix of precision bombs and rockets during Operation Midnight Hammer, the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this year. Budget documents show the use of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), laser-guided APKWS II rockets, and GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busters.While the B-2 stealth bombers are known to have dropped 14 MOPs on sites at Fordow and Natanz, less is known about how other aircraft contributed. One US submarine, likely the USS Georgia, also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan nuclear site.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-didn-t-want-him-trump-says-he-barred-mayor-of-london-khan-from-king-s-state-banquet-at-windsor-here-s-how-sadiq-reacted-1758263997801">'I didn’t want him': Trump says he barred 'Mayor of London Khan' from King’s state banquet at Windsor - Here's how Sadiq reacted</a><h2>How big was the strike package?</h2>According to the Pentagon, 125 aircraft took part in the mission, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 fighters, and dozens of refuelling tankers. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US used “decoys” and “high-speed suppression weapons” to clear Iranian air defences before the bombers struck. “The US protection package employed high-speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package,” he told reporters after the mission.<h2>Why is the Pentagon reallocating funds now?</h2>The details surfaced in a budget reprogramming document released in August. It shows Washington seeking Congressional approval to shift money to replace weapons expended in the strike.The document states, “This reprogramming action addresses funds for the replacement of defence articles expended in support of Israel through U.S. combat operations executed at the request of and in coordination with Israel and for the defence of Israeli territory, personnel, or assets during attacks by Iran, and subsequent or anticipated attacks by Iran and its proxies.”<h2>How much will replacements cost?</h2>The budget breakdown includes:• $123 million to replace the MOPs dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites.• $2.3 million for Small Diameter Bombs.• $3.3 million for APKWS II rockets.• $9.9 million for temporary lodging of US personnel.• $498 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors used to shield Israel.If the $123 million figure covers the 14 MOPs used, that would put the average cost per bomb at almost $8.8 million.<h2>Why were rockets included in the budget?</h2>The inclusion of APKWS II rockets has raised questions. The rockets are usually fired by F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, and helicopters, and can target drones or cruise missiles. Analysts believe they were more likely used in defending Israel from Iranian drone and missile barrages rather than in a direct strike on nuclear sites.

The Pentagon revealed Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran’s nuclear sites used B-2 MOPs, Tomahawks, precision bombs, and rockets, costing $636 million to replace weapons and support Israel’s defence.

The Pentagon has confirmed that American aircraft deployed a mix of precision bombs and rockets during Operation Midnight Hammer, the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities earlier this year. Budget documents show the use of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), laser-guided APKWS II rockets, and GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker-busters. While the B-2 stealth bombers are known to have dropped 14 MOPs on sites at Fordow and Natanz, less is known about how other aircraft contributed. One US submarine, likely the USS Georgia, also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Isfahan nuclear site. Also read: 'I didn’t want him': Trump says he barred 'Mayor of London Khan' from King’s state banquet at Windsor - Here's how Sadiq reacted How big was the strike package? According to the Pentagon, 125 aircraft took part in the mission, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 fighters, and dozens of refuelling tankers. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US used “decoys” and “high-speed suppression weapons” to clear Iranian air defences before the bombers struck. “The US protection package employed high-speed suppression weapons to ensure safe passage of the strike package,” he told reporters after the mission. Why is the Pentagon reallocating funds now? The details surfaced in a budget reprogramming document released in August. It shows Washington seeking Congressional approval to shift money to replace weapons expended in the strike. The document states, “This reprogramming action addresses funds for the replacement of defence articles expended in support of Israel through U.S. combat operations executed at the request of and in coordination with Israel and for the defence of Israeli territory, personnel, or assets during attacks by Iran, and subsequent or anticipated attacks by Iran and its proxies.” How much will replacements cost? The budget breakdown includes: • $123 million to replace the MOPs dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites. • $2.3 million for Small Diameter Bombs. • $3.3 million for APKWS II rockets. • $9.9 million for temporary lodging of US personnel. • $498 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors used to shield Israel. If the $123 million figure covers the 14 MOPs used, that would put the average cost per bomb at almost $8.8 million. Why were rockets included in the budget? The inclusion of APKWS II rockets has raised questions. The rockets are usually fired by F-15s, F-16s, A-10s, and helicopters, and can target drones or cruise missiles. Analysts believe they were more likely used in defending Israel from Iranian drone and missile barrages rather than in a direct strike on nuclear sites.

The Pentagon revealed Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran’s nuclear sites used B-2 MOPs, Tomahawks, precision bombs, and rockets, costing $636 million to replace weapons and support Israel’s defence.

Not just B-2 bombers, US deployed many other weapons in Iran strike. How did it rack-up a $636 million bill? Secret document reveals cost breakdown

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed the head of America’s Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), in a dramatic shake-up inside the Pentagon, according to US media reports. Lt Gen Jeffery Kruse, who led the DIA, is said to have been dismissed just weeks after a White House clash over a leaked report assessing US strikes on Iran. Two other senior commanders have also reportedly been forced out.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ghislaine-maxwell-says-jeffery-epstein-didn-t-die-by-suicide-but-1755956154742">'You can get a prisoner to kill for $25': Ghislaine Maxwell says Epstein 'didn’t die by suicide' but...</a><h2>Why was the DIA chief removed?</h2>The Pentagon has given no official explanation for Kruse’s exit. But it comes shortly after President Donald Trump publicly attacked a DIA assessment which claimed that recent strikes on Iran had only delayed its nuclear programme by a few months. The White House branded the report “flat out wrong”, while Trump insisted the nuclear sites had been “completely destroyed” and called the criticism “an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history”. At the Nato summit in June, Hegseth described the intelligence report as “low intelligence” and confirmed that the FBI was investigating the leak.<h2>More top commanders pushed out</h2>According to Reuters, Hegseth has also removed the chief of the US Naval reserves and the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. The Washington Post first reported Kruse’s dismissal.The DIA, part of the Pentagon, is responsible for gathering and analysing military intelligence to support US operations worldwide. It is separate from agencies such as the CIA, with a particular focus on technical and battlefield intelligence.<h2>Critics warn of “loyalty test”</h2>US Senator Mark Warner said Kruse’s removal showed Trump had a “dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country”. The firing follows a wider pattern. Trump has previously ordered the dismissal of officials who produced reports that contradicted his claims.In July, he called for the Labour Statistics commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, to be sacked “immediately” after jobs data showed slowing growth. Earlier in April, he removed General Timothy Haugh as head of the National Security Agency, alongside several senior staff at the National Security Council.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed DIA chief Lt Gen Jeffery Kruse after a clash over a leaked Iran strike report. Two other senior commanders were also reportedly dismissed.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed the head of America’s Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), in a dramatic shake-up inside the Pentagon, according to US media reports. Lt Gen Jeffery Kruse, who led the DIA, is said to have been dismissed just weeks after a White House clash over a leaked report assessing US strikes on Iran. Two other senior commanders have also reportedly been forced out. Also read: 'You can get a prisoner to kill for $25': Ghislaine Maxwell says Epstein 'didn’t die by suicide' but... Why was the DIA chief removed? The Pentagon has given no official explanation for Kruse’s exit. But it comes shortly after President Donald Trump publicly attacked a DIA assessment which claimed that recent strikes on Iran had only delayed its nuclear programme by a few months. The White House branded the report “flat out wrong”, while Trump insisted the nuclear sites had been “completely destroyed” and called the criticism “an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history”. At the Nato summit in June, Hegseth described the intelligence report as “low intelligence” and confirmed that the FBI was investigating the leak. More top commanders pushed out According to Reuters, Hegseth has also removed the chief of the US Naval reserves and the commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. The Washington Post first reported Kruse’s dismissal. The DIA, part of the Pentagon, is responsible for gathering and analysing military intelligence to support US operations worldwide. It is separate from agencies such as the CIA, with a particular focus on technical and battlefield intelligence. Critics warn of “loyalty test” US Senator Mark Warner said Kruse’s removal showed Trump had a “dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country”. The firing follows a wider pattern. Trump has previously ordered the dismissal of officials who produced reports that contradicted his claims. In July, he called for the Labour Statistics commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, to be sacked “immediately” after jobs data showed slowing growth. Earlier in April, he removed General Timothy Haugh as head of the National Security Agency, alongside several senior staff at the National Security Council.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed DIA chief Lt Gen Jeffery Kruse after a clash over a leaked Iran strike report. Two other senior commanders were also reportedly dismissed.

Hegseth ousts Intel chief after leak reveals US strikes barely delayed Iran’s nuclear programme, contradicting Trump’s ‘obliteration’ claim