US President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the United States would pause its bombing campaign against Iranian military targets for the day. However, he warned that American forces would resume attacks on Thursday if Tehran refused to accept a peace deal.

Trump made the remarks while reviewing the military operation in the White House Situation Room. During a phone interview with Fox News, Trump claimed that a senior Iranian official had called him and asked him to stop the latest attacks. Despite the request, he issued a blunt warning about the consequences of rejecting a peace agreement.

When asked what would happen if Iran refused to sign a deal, Trump said the US “will bomb the s**t out of Iran”.

Defence Secretary Issues Fresh Threat

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned Tehran that American military operations would continue through the night. Reporters asked whether the strikes could damage diplomatic efforts. Hegseth dismissed the concern and said, “If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs. And we’re very good at it. Nobody better in the world.”

US Launches Second Day of Airstrikes

The United States carried out fresh strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Wednesday. The attacks marked the second straight day of military action and pushed tensions higher across the region.

After the strikes, Trump vowed to continue the pressure campaign. He promised to “hit them hard again” if Iran failed to change course.

The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed the operation. In a statement, the military said American forces began “launching additional self-defence strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief’s direction”.

The latest escalation followed the downing of a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump blamed Iran for the incident. Centcom defended the attacks and said, “The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

Explosions Rock Southern Iran

Iranian media reported explosions in several southern cities, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Minab. Trump accused Tehran of delaying negotiations and misleading the United States.

“We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along; they keep playing us for suckers," he said. The US president also claimed that American forces had been removing large amounts of Iranian oil.

“I’m just announcing today for the first time, but we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil, millions of barrels every night.” He added, “Millions of barrels of oil have come out, and that’s why it’s at $85-$90 a barrel, instead of $250.”

Iranian Media Reports Water Crisis

Iranian state media said US strikes hit two water reservoirs in southern Iran. Officials said the damage cut off drinking water supplies for around 20,000 residents. The disruption came during a period of extreme heat.

Iran’s state television quoted local water officials as saying, “Unfortunately, following this attack, 20,000 residents of the region have lost access to safe drinking water, and with temperatures ranging between 45C and 50C, conditions have become extremely difficult and critical for local inhabitants.”

The latest exchange marked the most serious escalation since both sides agreed to a ceasefire in early April.

Dispute Erupts Over Strait of Hormuz

After the strikes, Iran’s joint military command announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Officials warned that military forces would target any oil tanker or commercial vessel attempting to pass through the waterway.

The US Central Command quickly rejected the claim. Centcom said commercial ships continued to move through the strait despite Iran’s announcement. According to the military, vessels were still travelling “in and out of the Strait of Hormuz tonight”.

Iranian military leaders stood by their position. They warned that their forces would deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any further American action.

The latest threats and strikes have pushed the region closer to a broader conflict. At the same time, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough continue to fade.