Trump Accuses Iran of Escalation Amid Negotiations, Warns of Strong Military Response

On July 31, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump held a cabinet meeting at Camp David where he sharply criticized Iran, accusing Tehran of dishonesty and escalating military actions during ongoing negotiations. Trump expressed losing trust in Iran's ability to reach an agreement, citing recent Iranian missile attacks on a U.S. base in Jordan that occurred while envoy Steve Witkoff was engaged in talks. "I waited for Witkoff to update me on the negotiations, but instead I got a call about five missiles being launched," Trump said. He vowed a strong military response, stating, "We will hit them very hard," and predicted Iran would eventually be unable to endure the pressure.

Trump praised the efforts of his team, including Jared Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence, but blamed Iran's inconsistent behavior for the stalled progress. He compared the current conflict's duration of five months to longer U.S. wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Korea, asserting that Iran's military capabilities have already been largely destroyed. Meanwhile, U.S. and allied sources told CNN that internal power struggles within Iran's Revolutionary Guards could prolong the conflict.

Iran continues to signal defiance, conducting missile strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain and attacking a gas tanker in Egypt's port with a drone. Tehran reportedly believes it has identified Trump's vulnerability, namely his reluctance to endure rising oil prices and a prolonged war ahead of the November midterm elections. Iran aims to pressure the U.S. by threatening to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, vital global shipping lanes, which recently forced a ship to retreat under U.S. protection.

Pro-Iranian proxy forces, including the Houthis in Yemen, launched unusual attacks on Saudi Arabia from Iraqi territory, prompting retaliatory strikes by U.S. and Saudi forces against militia logistics sites. The umbrella group of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, reported significant casualties and damage.

In Washington, no final decision has been made on escalating the conflict. CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper has drafted a two-week plan to neutralize Iran's missile capabilities, but it remains unclear if Trump will approve it. Officials indicate the president is considering a deeper military response amid ongoing tensions.