President Donald Trump said at a Republican rally in Florida that he would strike Iran this weekend if Tehran does not negotiate a deal, echoing the language of the former Operation Epic Fury.
Trump’s remarks came hours after Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey, told a podcast that a strike could happen as early as Saturday. Trump, who has framed the war as a fight to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, cited the earlier Operation Midnight Hammer as proof of U.S. military superiority.
An Iranian official warned the United States to “not play with fire,” saying the country would target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if Washington and Israel attacked Iran again. The official added that any damage would be prolonged to disrupt internet connections and military bases.
In a related move, the U.S. has ordered the departure of non‑emergency staff from its embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran, and has reduced personnel at embassies in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar and Jordan, officials said.
The next step will see U.S. diplomats in the region briefed on potential cyber retaliation plans while Washington prepares for a possible military action that could trigger a broader regional crisis.