President Donald Trump has ordered a significant escalation of U.S. military strikes against Iran in response to recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House indicated that the military campaign could continue for days or even weeks if Tehran does not alter its course.
While not an official designation, some administration officials have reportedly referred to the offensive informally as "Operation B*** Slap," according to the New York Post. White House and Pentagon officials emphasized that this is not an official military operation title. The duration of the strikes, officials stated, will be contingent on Iran's response in the coming days.
Trump has expressed a clear stance against allowing further attacks on international shipping to go unanswered. "He still wants this thing to be over. But if Iran is shooting at ships, he's not just gonna sit there and do nothing," a source close to the White House told the Post. Another former White House official described Trump's decision-making as increasingly personal, stating, "Trump is not coordinating with anyone... he's going with his gut."
This renewed military action marks a departure from previous diplomatic efforts. Trump recently declared a three-month ceasefire and a subsequent memorandum of understanding with Tehran effectively concluded. He previously warned Iran that continued hostilities could result in attacks on critical infrastructure, a renewed blockade, and the potential seizure of Kharg Island.
Trump's rhetoric has become notably combative. He recently characterized Iran's leadership as "scum," "liars," "loco," and "sick." While some senior officials were reportedly surprised by the language, a former White House official noted little disagreement with the tougher approach, adding, "This is all Trump, exactly as he likes it. [It is] almost impossible to tell what his next move is until he makes the decision himself."
Despite the intensified military action, Trump has maintained an openness to diplomacy. Options reportedly range from sustained military engagement to renewed negotiations, potentially involving Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, should Iran seek further talks.
Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded. Iran's Fars News Agency reported that U.S. forces targeted a rail bridge near the Turkmenistan border, disrupting a key transportation link with China and Russia. In response, Tehran reportedly launched missiles and drones toward U.S. military installations in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan on Thursday, though regional air defenses intercepted these projectiles, according to officials from those countries.
The escalation follows earlier attacks this week where Iran targeted three commercial ships near Oman's coast. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that the U.S. response was overwhelming, assessing it as "20-1." He asserted that Iran's military position had significantly weakened and that the country was eager for a deal, but expressed doubt about their trustworthiness.
Trump characterized Iran's actions as reflecting irrational leadership, suggesting they are "sort of crazy" and "a little bit out of control," yet still seeking a deal. Publicly, Iran has shown no indication of softening its stance. During funeral events for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, mourners displayed banners calling for Trump's death. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Trump's language as inflammatory, stating, "Iranians... do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action." Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning, stating, "if you strike, you'll get hit... the Strait of Hormuz will only open with 'Iranian arrangements,' not American threats."