Trump Renews Threat of Military Strikes on Iran as Tehran Warns of Prolonged War

US President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to launch military strikes against Iran, warning that Washington may eventually have to “give them the hammer” as Tehran cautioned that any fresh conflict could last longer than the previous round of fighting.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday, a day before the US midterm elections, Trump said he had refrained from launching further attacks because he wanted to prevent additional casualties.

“The only reason why I’m not finished with Iran is I want to be nice. I want to try and save all those lives if I can,” Trump told supporters, adding, “But at some point we’re going to have to give them the hammer.”

Earlier, Trump had told reporters that the United States still needed to deal with one or two remaining targets in Iran, suggesting they could be attacked within minutes. He specifically referred to Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility.

His latest remarks come amid uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to prevent a resumption of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28.

US media reports said Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday about negotiations with Tehran and the possibility of renewed military operations.

According to Axios, Netanyahu was pushing for an immediate strike after the US midterm elections, while Trump wanted to allow diplomacy more time.

Iran Warns of Wider and Longer Conflict

Iranian military officials have warned that another confrontation with Washington could be more prolonged and difficult to contain.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said a new war could last longer than the previous conflict, stressing that the United States would not be able to determine its timing or terms.

Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebbi issued a similar warning, saying there would be “no geographical limitations” to the battlefield if another confrontation with Washington erupted.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remained prepared for both diplomatic negotiations and military defence, while expressing hope that Washington would choose dialogue.

Meanwhile, Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei claimed he had received a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking to revive negotiations. Tehran had not yet responded, he said.

Iran Sets Conditions for Renewed Negotiations

Iran has outlined several demands as part of any potential agreement with Washington.

These include the release of frozen Iranian assets, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, sanctions relief and a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

The Strait of Hormuz remains another major point of contention. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, making any disruption a concern for global oil and gas markets.

UAE Prepares for Possible Escalation

Regional officials have also expressed concern over the possibility of renewed fighting.

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, said the Emirates hoped ongoing diplomatic efforts would produce a breakthrough but was preparing for the possibility of another military confrontation.

“It is not the interest of the region to go through another round,” Gargash told a conference in Manama.

He added that the UAE was “braced for the worst”.

The contrasting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts, with both sides maintaining their positions while the prospect of renewed military action remains unresolved.