Trump Weighs Options for Next Move on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

US President Donald Trump is nearing a decision on the next phase of Washington's approach to Iran, as military tensions remain high and efforts to resolve the crisis have made little progress. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Iran had been severely weakened and would have to choose between what he described as the 'easy way' and the 'hard way'. He also reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

The US continues its pressure campaign against Iran, while commercial shipping remains disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz. Pentagon Keeps Military Options Open US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon was ensuring that Trump had a range of options available if Iran does not agree to Washington's demands. Hegseth declined to confirm whether the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group would be deployed to the Middle East.

The US has also maintained pressure around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Another Oil Tanker Reportedly Hit Despite Washington's claim that its blockade is restricting Iranian activity in the waterway, commercial shipping has continued to face security risks. Iranian state media reported that another oil tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

US Steps Up Economic Pressure Washington is also attempting to squeeze Iran economically by restricting its ability to generate revenue from oil exports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian oil shipments at sea would be halted and argued that the blockade was cutting off an important source of income for Tehran. Bessent described the US campaign as having moved from military action to a blockade and now towards wider economic isolation.