Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump has said further American strikes on Iran are highly unlikely if negotiations to end the conflict make progress, while reports of oil tankers hitting naval mines and a separate cargo ship fire in the Sea of Oman have highlighted continuing maritime security concerns in the region.
In a phone interview with CNN on Sunday, Trump said the possibility of further military action would depend on whether Tehran agreed to a “very strong agreement.”
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” CNN quoted him as saying. “The answer is, highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary.”
Trump said the United States had identified potential infrastructure targets in Iran, including 38 bridges that he claimed American forces could destroy within an hour. However, he maintained that additional strikes were unlikely to be required, arguing that Iran was facing severe economic and military pressure.
He also referred to Iran’s reported inflation rate of 301 percent, describing the country as financially weakened and claiming that US forces had already inflicted significant damage.
Although Trump said he would authorise further action if necessary, his remarks indicated a preference for allowing negotiations to progress before considering another round of attacks.
Meanwhile, Iran’s naval forces reported that oil tankers had caught fire after striking naval mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
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Iranian media reported on Sunday that an oil tanker had caught fire after hitting a mine east of the strategic waterway. Reuters said it was unable to immediately verify the report.
In a separate statement late Saturday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said two oil tankers were burning after striking naval mines, with one incident reported east of the strait and another inside it.
The IRGC accused the vessels of switching off their navigation and positioning systems and attempting to use an unauthorised route. It alleged that both ships had committed multiple violations before the incidents.
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The maritime developments came amid reports of explosions in southern Iran, including on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state television said officials had not confirmed any missile strikes on Iranian territory following the blasts.
Iranian media suggested the explosions could be linked to military activities rather than fresh US attacks. Meanwhile, both sides reported incidents involving shipping in or near the strategically important waterway.
