Iran Updates: Hegseth says U.S. will “negotiate with bombs” if needed, as U.S. military announces more strikes
Iran Updates: Hegseth Asserts U.S. Will 'Negotiate with Bombs' Amid Escalating Strikes
Iran Updates - On Wednesday evening, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran’s assertion that the critical Strait of Hormuz had been shut down following a series of recent attacks on Iranian targets. In a social media update, the military command emphasized that commercial vessels, including oil tankers, are still operating through the waterway, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for international oil trade, has seen a noticeable decline in maritime traffic since hostilities began. However, CENTCOM clarified that the strait remains open, despite the intensified strikes. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump stated that efforts to secure shipping lanes had facilitated the movement of 100 million barrels of oil through the channel as part of a covert initiative.
Direct Communication with Iranian Officials
Speaking to Fox News’ Trey Yingst, Trump revealed that he had engaged in direct conversations with senior Iranian leaders after the latest wave of U.S. airstrikes. According to Yingst, the Iranian officials had requested a halt to the bombardment, signaling their desire to avoid further escalation. Trump, who was present in the White House Situation Room with Vice President JD Vance, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, described the strikes as a calculated response to Iran’s persistent military aggression.
He also highlighted the scale of the operation, noting that the campaign had included 49 Tomahawk missiles, some of which had impacted locations as close as 40 miles from Tehran. Additionally, Trump mentioned that U.S. fighter jets had been deployed to dismantle radar and air defense systems in the southwest region of Iran, a move intended to weaken Iran’s ability to detect and respond to incoming threats.
Strategic Objectives and Escalation Threats
Trump’s comments suggested that the bombing campaign was nearing its conclusion, but he warned that further action might be necessary if Iran refused to reach an agreement. “We’ll bomb the s*** out of them tomorrow night,” he stated, underscoring his determination to apply pressure on Iran’s leadership. This remark came as the U.S. military prepared for additional strikes, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirming that the planned attacks would target essential Iranian infrastructure.
"Central Command will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will be," Hegseth remarked, pledging "strong" and "clear" military action. He added that the goal was to compel Iran into a formal agreement with the United States, criticizing Iranian negotiators for dragging out the peace process.
Hegseth’s declaration aligns with Trump’s broader strategy of using force as a bargaining tool. “If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs. And we’re very good at it,” he said, emphasizing the effectiveness of military strikes in achieving political outcomes. The administration’s approach reflects a combination of kinetic warfare and diplomatic pressure, aiming to force Iran into compliance with U.S. demands.
Sanctions and Supporting Infrastructure
Alongside the airstrikes, the Trump administration unveiled new sanctions targeting entities and individuals linked to Iran’s military capabilities. These measures focused on organizations and companies aiding Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and armed forces in acquiring advanced weaponry from abroad. One of the sanctioned groups was the Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation, an Iranian entity reportedly involved in procuring satellite imagery to support kinetic attacks on U.S. military assets.
Another target was Armory Alliance, a Belarus-based organization accused of facilitating the transfer of man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) from China to Iran. The group served as an intermediary between Chinese suppliers and Iranian forces, enabling them to acquire critical defensive technology. The Treasury Department had already imposed sanctions on the same group last month, alongside five Chinese individuals and four firms connected to the weapons trade.
Timeline and Political Posturing
Since the onset of the U.S.-led conflict with Iran in February, Trump has consistently projected a sense of urgency, promising a swift resolution. His initial estimates suggested the war would conclude within four to five weeks, but as the situation has dragged on, the timeline has expanded significantly. Over 15 weeks into the campaign, the administration continues to frame its actions as a necessary step to achieve peace.
Trump reiterated his claims during a press briefing, stating that the U.S. had executed a "secret mission" to safeguard oil tankers and commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the strikes were part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran’s offensive capabilities while maintaining the flow of oil through the region. This dual approach of military strikes and logistical support aims to balance immediate retaliation with long-term strategic goals.
Despite the extended conflict, Trump has maintained a confident stance, insisting that the U.S. is close to securing a favorable deal with Iran. His public statements have often blended reassurance with a readiness for further escalation, reflecting the administration’s commitment to a hardline policy. As the strikes continue, the focus remains on degrading Iran’s military infrastructure and leveraging the threat of sustained attacks to push for a favorable outcome.