In statements published on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that Iran has lost the bulk of its defensive capabilities and warned of "very hard" overnight strikes. He specifically targeted Kharg Island—the hub of Iran’s oil export economy—suggesting the US will ultimately assume total control of the country's energy markets, drawing a direct parallel to past US actions in Venezuela.

This major escalation comes amid a fierce resumption of hostilities and a breakdown of diplomatic momentum, despite ongoing backchannel efforts. Tehran signaled that the previously established ceasefire framework has been rendered "practically meaningless" following a series of intense US strikes and subsequent retaliatory exchanges across the region.

Adding to the volatility, reports emerged of an unexplained explosion near Iran's southern coast, further compounding regional instability as the warring sides shift toward aggressive military posturing alongside stalled negotiations.