US-Iran war: Trump says nuclear attack not an option, for now

US President Donald Trump ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, while stressing that the United States is in no hurry to end the conflict. He warned that ‘time is running out for Tehran’ to reach a deal, signaling continued pressure despite the absence of immediate plans for escalation to nuclear options.

At the same time, backed by Republican allies in Congress, Trump ordered the US Navy to target and destroy any vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The directive followed an operation in which US forces intercepted and boarded a tanker in the Indian Ocean suspected of transporting Iranian crude oil.

Despite a US decision to extend a ceasefire indefinitely, diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Iran has refused to resume negotiations, citing the continued blockade of its ports as a major obstacle.

Meanwhile, the US has strengthened its military presence in the region. The arrival of the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush brings the total number of US carriers in nearby waters to three, underscoring Washington’s strategic posture. Reports also indicated heightened activity in Tehran, where air defense systems were activated overnight in response to perceived threats.

Trump claimed that US forces now exercise complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that maritime traffic is effectively under American oversight until Iran agrees to terms.

On Capitol Hill, an attempt to limit Trump’s authority to continue military operations failed. The Senate narrowly rejected a resolution that sought to enforce legal time limits on US involvement in hostilities.

TANKER SEIZURE AND OIL FLOW CONTINUE

The Pentagon confirmed that US forces boarded the tanker M/T Majestic X near Sri Lanka, describing it as a sanctioned vessel transporting Iranian oil. The interception is part of a broader US naval campaign aimed at restricting Iran’s oil exports.

However, data suggests that Iran continues to move significant volumes of crude despite the blockade. Analysts reported multiple tanker movements in and out of the Persian Gulf, with millions of barrels successfully exported during the past week.

At the same time, Iran has begun collecting toll revenues from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials in Tehran confirmed that the first payments have been deposited into the country’s central bank, signaling a new economic strategy amid the crisis.

State media also released footage appearing to show Iranian forces boarding a commercial cargo vessel, highlighting Tehran’s own efforts to assert control over the strategic waterway.