Trump Opens Diplomacy, But Ready to Attack Iran
United States President Donald Trump emphasized that Washington is ready to increase military pressure on Iran if tensions escalate again. This statement was made simultaneously with his announcement that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that had served as the basis for de-escalating the conflict between the two countries is no longer valid.
In his remarks while attending the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) local time, Trump said the United States remains open to Iran resuming talks. However, he believes the previous agreement is over.
“That agreement is over. They can continue talking if they want,” Trump said, as quoted on Thursday (July 9, 2026).
Trump emphasized that his administration will not remain silent if Iran launches another military action. He even warned that any action by Tehran will be met with far greater force by the US military.
“I’ve given them a little warning. We’re going to hit them much harder tonight,” he said.
This statement comes amid renewed tensions in the Gulf region. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched attacks on several United States military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran called the operation retaliation for the US attack and a response to Washington’s reimposition of sanctions on Iranian oil exports following the incident in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite issuing strong threats, Trump believes the conflict will not escalate into a protracted war. He is confident the two countries will not continue armed confrontation.
“I don’t think this war will start again. I think it will end very quickly,” he said.
Trump said the United States has far superior military capabilities, so any attack from Iran would be met with greater force.
“They attack, and we hit back 10 times harder. We hit back much harder than they did,” he asserted.
According to Trump, the easing of the conflict will have a positive impact on the stability of the global energy market. He is optimistic that oil distribution through international channels will return to normal, so that global supplies will no longer be disrupted.
“Oil will flow very freely, very easily, and it will happen very quickly,” he said.
While still open to dialogue, Trump confirmed that his administration has no agenda to build a long-term relationship with Iran. Washington believes communication will only occur if it aligns with the United States’ national interests.
“We’re not looking for a long-term relationship,” Trump said.
