⚠️ TRUMP SIGNALS PRESSURE OVER NEGOTIATIONS: President Trump is signaling that renewed negotiations with Iran are not his immediate objective, while keeping military, maritime and economic pressure firmly in place. In a Truth Social post early Wednesday Israel time, after Iran’s latest retaliatory missile and drone attacks were underway, Trump wrote: “I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table... I couldn’t care less if they sign a worthless, to them, agreement.” He said he prefers the current U.S. position of near-total control over the Strait of Hormuz and severe economic pressure on Tehran, and asked when the Iranian people would “rise up and fight.”
Axios separately reported that Trump personally approved a “tanker for tanker” policy under which U.S. forces struck two Iranian government tankers during Tuesday’s operation. U.S. officials said this was the first time Iranian tankers were specifically targeted in retaliation for attacks on shipping, rather than simply for violating the blockade. Around 100 Iranian targets were struck during the wave, according to the officials.
♟️ WHITE HOUSE SEEKS TO CONTAIN CONFLICT BEFORE MIDTERMS: Reuters, citing four people familiar with administration discussions, including three White House officials, reported Wednesday that senior Trump administration officials are trying to prevent the conflict from escalating substantially before the November 3 midterm elections. “We are keeping the pressure on Iran. But November is a priority,” one White House official said.
Reuters reported that sanctions, the naval blockade and broader economic pressure are currently preferred over another major air campaign, although heavier military action could be reconsidered after the election. “The timetable has changed,” one senior official said, while another said the “calendar is driving Iran.” No decision has been made on a return to full-scale strikes.
💥 TRUMP: U.S. RETALIATED FOR JORDAN BASE ATTACK: Speaking in the Oval Office Wednesday afternoon, Trump said Tuesday night’s strikes were retaliation for Iran’s attack on the American base in Jordan: “We hit them last night because they took a shot at our base in Jordan.” He said U.S. forces also destroyed newly rebuilt Iranian radar, missile and mine-laying capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked how long the renewed campaign might continue, Trump said, “I don’t think too long,” while warning after what he called a “very heavy attack”: “We’re prepared to do another one any time we want.” He did not separately address the UAE attack in those remarks.
⚔️ IRAN CLAIMS ATTACKS ON U.S. BASES ACROSS REGION: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it launched attacks early Wednesday toward military bases in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq’s Erbil region and Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, describing U.S. facilities as the intended targets. The IRGC also said seven of its members, including three Basij personnel, were killed in U.S. strikes overnight.
⚓ IRGC CLAIMS TANKERS MINED NEAR HORMUZ: The IRGC also claimed that two oil tankers attempting to pass through an unauthorized route near the Strait of Hormuz were struck by mines and set on fire.
🇮🇱 NETANYAHU: “WE CAN ATTACK IRAN AT ANY MOMENT”: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued some of his strongest statements yet regarding Iran, saying, “We can attack Iran at any moment,” and declaring: “The regime in Iran will fall. We will bring it down. It is already on its last legs. All our systems, under my guidance, act to overthrow this regime.”
Netanyahu also warned: “If Iran chooses to attack us, they know it will be one of the last decisions they ever make.” Trump, speaking to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, said Israel “should not be concerned about a renewed war with Iran.”
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