President Donald Trump has intensified U.S. military strikes against Iran in retaliation for recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has indicated that the military campaign could continue for days or weeks if Tehran does not de-escalate.
Some administration officials have reportedly used the informal nickname "Operation B*** Slap" in private conversations and emails to refer to the offensive, though White House and Pentagon officials emphasized it is not an official designation. The duration of the renewed bombing campaign is said to be contingent on Iran's response in the coming days. Trump has expressed a clear intent to respond to further attacks on international shipping.
Sources close to the White House described Trump's decision-making as increasingly personal as tensions mount, with one former official stating, "Trump is not coordinating with anyone... he's going with his gut." This marks a significant shift from recent diplomatic efforts. Trump recently declared existing ceasefires and memorandums of understanding with Tehran effectively finished. He warned Iran's leadership of potential attacks on critical infrastructure, a renewed blockade, and seizure of Kharg Island if hostilities persist.
Trump's rhetoric has become notably combative, with the president recently calling Iran's leadership "scum," "liars," "loco," and "sick." While some officials expressed surprise at the language, there was reportedly little disagreement with his tougher approach.
While the informal nickname has circulated among some advisors, other administration officials claim to have never heard the phrase used. Despite the intensified military action, Trump has maintained that the door to diplomacy remains open, with a range of options preserved, including renewed negotiations.
The conflict has expanded, with Iran's Fars News Agency reporting that U.S. forces targeted a rail bridge near the Turkmenistan border during strikes, disrupting a key transportation route. Tehran responded by launching missiles and drones toward U.S. military installations in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan, which were reportedly intercepted by air defenses.
Trump stated that the U.S. response was overwhelming, claiming a "20-1" advantage in retaliatory strikes. He also asserted that Iran's military position has significantly deteriorated and that Iran is eager to make a deal, though he expressed doubts about their trustworthiness.
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have condemned Trump's rhetoric. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning, stating, "if you strike, you'll get hit." Public sentiment in Iran, as observed during funeral events for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, included calls for Trump's death.
