US Launches New Iran Strikes as Trump Pushes Fragile Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump said Iran is “negotiating on fumes” after U.S. forces launched new defensive strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The latest military action came as negotiations continue over uranium disposal, sanctions relief and a possible ceasefire framework. Republican critics and regional allies remain divided over the emerging agreement and its impact on Israel, Hezbollah and the Abraham Accords.
Trump Iran Conflict Quick Looks
- U.S. shoots down four Iranian attack drones.
- Additional strike targeted Bandar Abbas control station.
- Trump says Iran “wants very much to make a deal.”
- President rejects midterm election pressure.
- GOP senators criticize proposed Iran terms.
- Uranium transfer issue remains unresolved.
- Russia and China rejected as uranium custodians.
- Israel-Hezbollah fighting continues in Lebanon.
- Trump expands push for Abraham Accords participation.
- Saudi Arabia still demands Palestinian state pathway.
Deep Look
US Launches New Defensive Strikes Against Iran
United States Central Command carried out additional defensive strikes against Iran on Wednesday after U.S. officials said Iranian drones posed threats near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to U.S. officials speaking anonymously:
- Four Iranian one-way attack drones were shot down
- A ground control station in Bandar Abbas was destroyed
- The strike prevented the launch of a fifth drone
The Pentagon described the operation as defensive and said the military continues acting with restraint while negotiations remain active.
The latest military action follows earlier U.S. strikes this week targeting missile launch sites and mine-laying vessels in southern Iran.
Trump Says Iran Is “Negotiating on Fumes”
During a Cabinet meeting earlier Wednesday, Donald Trump maintained an optimistic tone about negotiations despite ongoing military tensions.
“They thought they were gonna outwait me. You know, ‘We’ll outwait him. He’s got the midterms,’” Trump said.
“I don’t care about the midterms.”
Trump insisted Tehran remains under pressure.
“They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said.
“So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”
The president is seeking an agreement that would:
- Reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- Reduce global energy disruptions
- Limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities
- Provide a framework to end the conflict
Republicans Push Back on Proposed Deal
Despite Trump’s confidence, some Republicans have expressed growing concern over the emerging terms.
Senators including:
- Roger Wicker
- Lindsey Graham
- Ted Cruz
Have criticized aspects of the negotiations they believe resemble the Obama-era Iran nuclear agreement.
Critics argue the framework could leave Iran weakened temporarily but ultimately emboldened.
Uranium Disposal Remains Unresolved
One of the biggest unresolved issues involves Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Under the proposed arrangement:
- Iran would surrender or dilute enriched uranium
- Some material could potentially be transferred abroad
- Sanctions relief would eventually follow
However, Trump publicly rejected the idea of either Russia or China taking custody of the material.
“I wouldn’t be comfortable,” Trump said.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran currently possesses:
- 440.9 kilograms of uranium
- Enriched up to 60% purity
That level remains just below weapons-grade enrichment thresholds.
Iran has not publicly committed to giving up the uranium.
Lebanon Fighting Complicates Ceasefire
Another major complication involves ongoing fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.
Iran insists any ceasefire agreement must include Lebanon.
The draft memorandum reportedly leaves room for Israel to continue acting against “imminent threats” while maintaining broader ceasefire arrangements with Iran and its proxies.
Former Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus warned Iran would likely redirect sanctions relief toward rebuilding military strength and supporting proxy groups.
“We’re not done fighting, because the Iranian regime isn’t done,” Conricus said.
Trump Expands Abraham Accords Push
Countries Trump mentioned include:
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Pakistan
- Kuwait
“We’re, you know, requesting strongly that they join,” Trump said.
However, major obstacles remain.
Saudi Arabia continues insisting that normalization with Israel requires a guaranteed pathway toward Palestinian statehood — a position Israel strongly opposes.
Former U.S. diplomat Barbara Leaf said Gulf officials reacted to Trump’s proposal with “stunned silence.”
A separate source disputed that characterization and claimed some allies responded positively.
Political Stakes Continue Rising
The Iran negotiations are unfolding as Republicans increasingly worry about:
- Rising fuel prices
- Inflation concerns
- Midterm election risks
- Prolonged military conflict
Trump continues balancing diplomacy with military pressure while trying to secure a deal he can frame as a strategic victory.
But unresolved disputes involving uranium disposal, sanctions relief, Hezbollah operations and regional diplomacy continue leaving the final outcome uncertain.
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