Trump hints at possible renewed bombing of Iran as U.S. pursues economic sanctions

President Donald Trump told supporters at a rally for Sen. Darline Graham that the United States might bomb Iran "a little bit more" as the administration shifts toward a broader economic pressure campaign. The comment came as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the upcoming plan as the "greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world," warning that entities doing business with Tehran could face strict enforcement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded on social media, calling the U.S. strategy a "return to full-scale classic colonialism" and arguing that secondary sanctions lack a basis in international law. He said such measures would undermine the sovereignty of other states.

Separately, an Iranian Shiite cleric claimed that the smell of "burned flesh" still lingered near the late supreme leader’s compound and that the site had been hit by 110 bombs and missiles, a figure that differs from earlier reports. The cleric’s statements were shared by Iran International without independent verification.

Iran has also allowed several Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to state news agency IRNA and Iraqi President Nizar Amedi. The move follows a request from Baghdad during a visit by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

U.S. officials reiterated that any company or bank continuing transactions with Iran could face secondary sanctions, while Iranian officials warned that such actions would constitute a form of naval blockade and economic aggression.