Pentagon on High Alert as Trump Issues Nuclear Warning to Iran

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Iran's leadership Tuesday that the United States will not tolerate further nuclear provocations, declaring all options remain on the table to thwart Tehran's ambitions. Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized a policy of maximum pressure following reports of heightened uranium enrichment at Iranian facilities. The Pentagon responded by positioning carrier strike groups in the Persian Gulf, signaling heightened military readiness.[1] White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the stance during a briefing, confirming Trump authorized a continuous U.S. naval blockade that will not retreat despite Iranian threats. 'American warships remain in a state of high readiness,' Leavitt stated, vowing to block ships linked to Iranian ports until Tehran agrees to concessions. The blockade persists even after collapsed talks in Islamabad, amid a temporary truce marred by mutual accusations.[2] Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf fired back, declaring Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly 20% of global oil flows — under U.S. coercion. Qalibaf accused Washington of violating ceasefire terms via the blockade and alleged Israeli aggression, insisting military force and economic sanctions have failed to break Iran's resolve. 'What military aggression could not achieve, intimidation will not,' he said.[3] Tensions spiked further with reports that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on three commercial vessels in the strait, according to Iranian state-linked claims. Trump is set to sign executive orders imposing new sanctions and Pentagon directives to counter the 'persistent threat' from Tehran. World leaders urged restraint as markets plunged and the UN Security Council held an emergency session.[1][3][4] A separate controversy erupted when a U.S. nuclear scientist, Andrew Hugg, was fired from the Pentagon after a viral undercover video allegedly showed him leaking details on Trump's Iran plans, including nuclear systems, missile detection, nerve agents, and potential civilian impacts. The Army placed Hugg on administrative leave and launched an investigation into the breach.[5]