White House signals Trump may order new strikes on Iran amid rising tensions
The Trump administration warned Iran of further military action after Tehran attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Hamas announced a tentative disarmament plan and Saudi Arabia proposed a regional defense alliance.
The White House indicated on Friday that President Donald Trump is weighing additional strikes against Iran after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard reported attacks on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian drones. The administration said Tehran had violated a truce memorandum signed last month by shooting at commercial vessels and killing American service members.
"President Trump is not going to stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding that Iran would continue to pay until it returns to the negotiating table in a manner the president deems "meaningful."
President Trump told reporters at Camp David that the United States would "hit them very hard" and that eventually Iran would be forced to cease its actions.
Iranian forces also launched drones at Kuwait, which hosts U.S. troops, and claimed to have hit two tankers attempting to pass through the strait. Kuwait’s defense ministry reported shooting down the drones, noting material damage but no casualties.
In Gaza, Hamas announced it would begin disarming as part of a deal announced by the president that also calls for Israel to halt its strikes and withdraw. The United Nations secretary-general welcomed the agreement, describing it as the only positive development in the region in recent days.
Separately, Saudi Arabia unveiled a proposal for a 14-nation defense alliance aimed at protecting maritime security in the Red Sea and ensuring the free flow of trade. The plan was supported by most Gulf states, though Oman and the United Arab Emirates abstained, and it was criticized by Houthi officials who said it would not shield their vessels until Saudi blockades are lifted.
Other regional incidents included Israeli explosions targeting a tunnel network beneath Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle, which Israel says was used by Hezbollah, and statements from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that the operation sent "negative messages" ahead of upcoming talks in Rome.