US Conducts Overnight Strikes in Iran Amid Tensions; Trump Signals No Rush for Nuclear Deal

Tehran, May 2026 : The United States military carried out fresh overnight strikes inside Iran, targeting what Washington described as a military installation that posed a direct threat to US forces and commercial shipping in the region, according to multiple US media reports on Wednesday.

US forces also intercepted several drones launched from Iran, CBS News reported, citing a US official familiar with the operation. The official characterised the strikes as “defensive in nature” and added that the fragile US-Iran ceasefire framework is still considered to be holding despite rising tensions.

The latest escalation comes amid continued volatility around key maritime routes, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil artery.

Separately, Iranian media reported multiple explosions near the eastern outskirts of Bandar Abbas, a strategic port city located close to the Strait of Hormuz. The blasts were heard around 1:30 a.m. local time on Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday), according to the semi-official Fars News Agency.

The report said Iranian air defence systems were activated immediately after the explosions, while authorities launched an investigation to determine the source and nature of the incident. No official confirmation of damage or casualties was provided at the time of reporting.

The developments come against the backdrop of heightened political rhetoric from Washington. US President Donald Trump, speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday (local time), said he would not rush into any agreement with Iran due to domestic political considerations, including upcoming midterm elections.

“They thought they were going to outwait me,” Trump said, referring to Iranian negotiators. “I don’t care about the midterms.”

Trump warned that the United States remained prepared to resume military action if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a deal aligned with Washington’s demands. He stressed that the administration is not satisfied with the current direction of talks but remains open to a resolution.

“We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” Trump said. “Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”

He added that Iran had limited options and was under increasing pressure to reach an agreement. “They want to just make a deal. I don’t think they have a choice,” he said.

The White House, meanwhile, dismissed an Iranian state media report describing an alleged draft agreement as “a complete fabrication.” The disputed report had suggested a preliminary framework involving partial US military withdrawal from areas near Iran and easing of restrictions on Iranian ports.

Trump also ruled out any sanctions relief in exchange for Iran giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. “No, no, not at all. Not sanctions relief,” he said, reiterating that any agreement must ensure Iran does not retain nuclear capability.

As military and diplomatic tensions continue to run high, both sides remain engaged in a delicate standoff, with the risk of further escalation still present in the region.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)