‘Major military operations’ back on table? Trump reportedly hardens stance on Iran before China visit

Donald Trump is unlikely to make a final decision on how Washington will proceed regarding the escalating conflict with Iran before his upcoming visit to Chinaaccording to a report by CNN citing senior administration sources.

The report said discussions inside the White House and the Pentagon remain ongoing as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Trump has recently become more open to the possibility of resuming “major military operations” against Iran than he had been in previous weeks.

Officials reportedly said the US President has grown increasingly frustrated with Iran’s handling of war-end negotiations and the pace of diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing regional tensions. According to the report, Trump believes Tehran has been delaying discussions while simultaneously expanding military positioning in the Gulf region.

The latest developments come shortly after Trump publicly confirmed that the United States is conducting direct communications with Iranian officials but stressed that Washington was “not in a hurry to reach an agreement.” The remarks suggested that while diplomatic channels remain active, divisions between the two countries continue to deepen.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently warned that the Pentagon has contingency plans to escalate operations against Iran “if necessary.” The United States has also increased military preparedness around the Gulf after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps expanded its strategic operational zone in waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, carrying a significant portion of global crude oil shipments. Rising tensions in the region have already affected shipping operations, aviation routes and international energy markets. Several global airlines and shipping companies have adjusted operations due to growing security concerns.

Sources further indicated that Trump’s upcoming China visit may influence the timing of any major strategic decision involving Iran, especially as Washington simultaneously manages geopolitical tensions with Beijing over trade, technology and Indo-Pacific security issues.

Iran has not officially responded to the latest report. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly warned in recent weeks that any direct military action against the country would trigger a strong retaliatory response.