Trump Warns of New Military Operation Against Iran if Tehran Rejects Talks

WASHINGTON, Oct 23: US President Donald Trump warned Friday that Washington could launch another military operation against Iran if Tehran fails to agree to negotiations.

Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump referred to the previously named Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, claiming that the two operations had severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“We obliterated Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity with Operation Midnight Hammer,” Trump told supporters. “You remember that late at night, one of them, and then did the rest with Operation Epic Fury, which it was.”

Trump then raised the possibility of further military action if Iran does not agree to a negotiated settlement.

“We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,” he said.

“If they're smart, they'll just say, ‘Let's get down to business,’” Trump added, while expressing doubt that Tehran would take that approach.

The war, which began in late February, remains unresolved despite a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding intended to pave the way for a final peace agreement.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel are reportedly developing plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections. Israel is also scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on Oct 27.

Trump's latest remarks signal the possibility of renewed military action if diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement, although he did not announce a specific timetable for any new operation.