President Donald Trump said he does not expect a full-scale war with Iran but indicated the US may conduct additional strikes 'tonight,' according to Channel 12's N12. He described recent exchanges of attacks on ships as limited.
President Donald Trump clarified Wednesday evening that he does not expect a full-scale war with Iran, but suggested the United States may conduct additional strikes 'tonight,' according to Channel 12's N12. 'We hit a few ships here and there, they hit here and there. Maybe we'll even attack again tonight,' Trump was quoted as saying. The remarks mark a notable shift in tone from the president's earlier threats throughout the day, when he repeatedly warned of heavy strikes and declared the ceasefire with Iran over.
Earlier on Wednesday, beginning at 11:09 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a rapid succession of escalating statements from Trump. He first announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran (version 16), then threatened a 'very heavy' strike that night (version 18), and said the US would 'probably' strike again (version 19). By 11:09, he had confirmed the US 'hit them hard' and signaled potential additional strikes (version 20). The thread also included threats to destroy Iranian electricity and water plants (version 21), warnings from the NATO summit in Turkey (version 22), and a comment that he was being deceived about Iran's Strait of Hormuz movements (version 23). These statements were corroborated by multiple outlets: The Jerusalem Post, Abu Ali Express, New York Post, and NPR, each citing Trump or a senior US official.
Attributed background from The Zioneer's earlier reporting contextualizes the broader policy tensions: On June 24, The Zioneer reported that Trump criticized the Senate's War Powers Resolution vote as giving 'aid and comfort' to Iran. On June 25, the Senate rejected a bid to limit his war powers in a 50-47 vote, and Trump claimed victory. The Zioneer also reported on June 9 that Trump expected clarity on Iran negotiations within 48 hours, and on June 16 that a US-Iran memorandum of understanding had been signed, with Trump remarking that regime change in Iran 'happened.'
It remains unclear whether Trump's reference to 'tonight' in his latest remarks refers to a planned military operation or a rhetorical statement. The White House has not immediately clarified. Additionally, despite the president's statement that he does not expect full-scale war, the sequence of escalating threats throughout the day has left the situation fluid and the possibility of further strikes open.
19 developments
- StrongTrump: 'When they attack, we attack' — president says Iran war not renewing, any escalation will be faster
- StrongTrump reviewed full-scale war option with Iran but decided against it for now, WSJ reports
- DevelopingTrump threatens to attack Iran again tonight, 'hit them hard' — Channel 14
- DevelopingTrump tells Fox News: 'We haven't hit Iran hard enough yet'
Source and signal
- Internal intake