Trump Threatens Iran with New Bombing Campaign Over Strait of Hormuz Deadlock

Iran confirmed on Thursday that it is reviewing the latest American proposals aimed at ending the two-month conflict, as U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran: a new wave of bombing will commence if no deal is reached that includes reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

International markets reacted positively to the prospect of an imminent resolution, even as tensions escalated earlier in the day when the U.S. military fired on an Iranian oil tanker attempting to breach an American blockade of Iran’s ports. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, where a U.S. fighter jet disabled the tanker’s rudder, according to U.S. Central Command.

These developments follow days of inconsistent messaging from the Trump administration regarding its strategy to conclude the war. On Wednesday, Trump took to social media to suggest that the conflict could soon end, with oil and natural gas shipments disrupted by the war potentially resuming. However, he tied this outcome to Iran accepting a reported agreement—details of which he did not disclose.

“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts.”
— U.S. President Donald Trump

A fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has largely held since April 8. However, in-person talks hosted by Pakistan last month failed to produce an agreement. The war began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Pakistan Expects a Deal ‘Sooner Rather Than Later’

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, stated on Thursday that Islamabad anticipates a resolution to the conflict in the near future. “We expect an agreement sooner rather than later,” he said. “We hope the parties will reach a peaceful and sustainable solution that will contribute not only to peace in our region but to international peace as well.”

Andrabi declined to provide a timeline or specific details, emphasizing that Pakistan would not disclose the contents of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“What I can tell you—and this is what I have stated before—is that we remain positive, we remain optimistic, and we hope the settlement will be soon rather than later.”
— Tahir Andrabi, Spokesperson, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry

When asked whether Pakistan expected a response from Iran later on Thursday, Andrabi responded, “I will not comment on specifics or the movement of the messages.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Calls for Extended Ceasefire

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, addressed the nation in televised remarks on Thursday, affirming that Islamabad is engaged in round-the-clock diplomatic efforts with both Iran and the United States to halt the war and extend the ceasefire.

A Shifting U.S. Narrative on the Iran War

The Trump administration’s messaging throughout the conflict has been marked by inconsistency and contradictions. This week alone, the president and his aides presented a rapidly evolving narrative regarding the U.S. strategy to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and conclude the war—changes that occurred within mere hours.

Iran has effectively closed the strait, a vital waterway for the global shipment of oil, gas, fertilizer, and other petroleum products. Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, further straining relations.

Trump Suggests Iran Seeks a Deal

On Wednesday, Trump asserted that Iranian officials are eager to finalize an agreement. “We’re dealing with people that want to make a deal very much, and we’ll see whether or not they can,” he stated, though he provided no further details on the reported proposal.