U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington has no immediate plans to launch a major military offensive against Iran, even as American forces carried out limited strikes on an Iranian island overnight.
A U.S. official said the strikes targeted surface-to-air missiles on Qeshm Island that had been used against American assets. Another official described the operation as limited, saying it did not indicate a return to major combat operations.
The developments came as Trump renewed his warnings against Tehran in an interview with Fox News Channel on Tuesday, saying he was not seeking a wider conflict but remained prepared to use military force if necessary.
"I'm not looking to ... kill lots of people," Trump said. "If we have to, we'll have to."
In a separate six-minute telephone interview with the Financial Times, Trump suggested he was satisfied with the current state of the standoff with Iran. "We seem to be getting everything we want," he told the newspaper.
The Financial Times also asked Trump about what it described as strong hints from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that an attack could take place later this week.
"I'm ready, we're ready. We're locked and loaded if we need to go, but there may be no reason for it," Trump replied.
His remarks indicate that while Washington is keeping its military options open, it is not necessarily preparing for an immediate return to large-scale combat operations.
The situation remains closely watched by global energy markets, particularly because of the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for international oil shipments.
Any escalation that threatens shipping through the waterway could disrupt global oil supplies, push crude prices higher and increase energy costs for countries heavily dependent on imported fuel.
For now, the limited U.S. strikes and Trump's latest statements point to a tense standoff, with the possibility of further military action still unresolved.
Developments in the region, including the security of maritime routes and diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, will remain key factors in determining whether the confrontation eases or escalates further.
