President Donald Trump warned Saturday that the United States may be forced to take far more sweeping military action against Iran after U.S. aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites, which he said were used in renewed violations of a ceasefire agreement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said American forces acted after Iran violated the agreement, accusing Tehran of failing to learn from repeated warnings.

Shipping under threat in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s warning marked one of his strongest public statements yet as tensions rise between Washington and Tehran following renewed attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. U.S. Central Command described the operation as “a powerful response,” saying Iran’s actions threatened freedom of navigation through one of the world’s busiest oil and gas shipping routes.

CENTCOM said U.S. forces targeted missile depots, drone storage sites, and coastal radar positions after Iran allegedly launched attack drones at the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel Ever Lovely, damaging the ship but causing no reported casualties. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps defended the strike, claiming the vessel had used an “unauthorized route” through the strategic waterway.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations separately reported that another tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel sustained damage to its bridge, but all crew members were reported safe and no environmental damage was immediately confirmed.

The renewed violence prompted the International Maritime Organization to pause plans to help evacuate thousands of sailors stranded in the region after the conflict erupted. CENTCOM said U.S. forces would continue supporting the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait.

Iran denies legal basis; threatens retaliation

Iran denied that Washington had a legal basis for the strikes and accused the United States of violating international law. Tehran also claimed it carried out retaliatory action against U.S.-linked targets, though details remained unclear.

Trump’s statement made clear that the White House views Iran’s conduct not as an isolated breach, but as part of a repeated pattern of provocation. The administration has argued that restraint cannot become an invitation for Tehran to continue targeting shipping lanes, U.S. interests, or America’s regional partners.

Israel–Lebanon deal announced amid clashes

Despite the renewed confrontation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a separate agreement between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon under which Israeli forces will withdraw from two areas of southern Lebanon following U.S.-mediated negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the accord as a “great achievement,” saying it would preserve Israel’s security interests, while the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement denounced the deal as a capitulation by Lebanon.

Negotiations continue despite escalation

Despite the clashes, Washington and Tehran continued difficult negotiations over sanctions relief, maritime security, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. The confrontation also places renewed pressure on Iran’s leadership, which is facing growing regional isolation, internal unrest, and the consequences of a military strategy that has brought the regime into repeated conflict with Israel, the United States, and Gulf nations. While Trump did not announce a broader campaign, his warning left little doubt that future Iranian attacks could trigger a far more decisive U.S. response.