President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Wednesday, warning that if Tehran does not accept a U.S.-backed peace agreement, the United States will resume bombing with “higher level and intensity” than before.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump laid out stark terms: “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.” He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”
The comments come amid a fragile pause in direct military confrontation. Axios reported Wednesday that U.S. negotiators believe they are close to finalizing a one-page memorandum that would end hostilities and set the stage for broader nuclear talks. The discussions are being led by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, working through direct channels and mediators with Iranian officials.
Trump’s threat follows a decision Tuesday to temporarily halt “Project Freedom,” the naval operation that had U.S. forces guiding commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz over Iranian objections. That mission sparked a firefight between the two sides on Monday. Trump wrote that the pause came “based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries,” but stressed that “while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”
The U.S. blockade of Iranian shipping through the strategic waterway remains in place, Trump confirmed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Tuesday that “Operation Epic Fury” had ended and was replaced by “Project Freedom.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is still holding, despite the recent naval exchanges.
The standoff has drawn attention to the broader conflict drifting into stalemate as Trump seeks an exit without a formal deal. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have weighed in, with Rep. Fry calling Iran a “petulant child” testing Trump’s resolve amid the naval clash. On the other side, Democrats are pressing the administration for clarity on Israel’s nuclear status and the implications for regional stability.
Trump’s all-or-nothing approach signals a high-stakes gamble: either a quick diplomatic settlement or a return to intense bombing. With the Strait of Hormuz still blockaded and talks hanging in the balance, the next days will determine whether the conflict escalates or finds a path to de-escalation.
