Trump warns of new Iran strikes as shipping tensions escalate in Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has warned that further military strikes against Iran remain a possibility before the November midterm elections, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalate. Speaking at the Medinah Country Club on Sunday, Trump stated that while he expects the conflict to end "very soon," the prevention of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon remains the primary US objective. The President declined to rule out military action in the coming weeks, linking a potential resolution to a drop in global oil prices. Tehran warns of doomsday escalation Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by stating that Tehran is prepared for a "doomsday war" if faced with new aggression. Despite the rhetoric, Araghchi confirmed that Iran remains open to diplomacy and is currently awaiting a formal US response to a proposal delivered through mediators. The Iranian plan suggests reopening the Strait of Hormuz six days after agreed US steps, with final negotiations commencing on the seventh day. However, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz dismissed the offer as a "cynical attempt" to secure sanctions relief and end the current naval blockade. Naval blockade and shipping disruptions The US Central Command reported on Monday, 28 September, that the number of Iran-linked ships redirected by US forces has risen to 122, up from 109 on 20 September. This intensification follows claims from Iran’s Fars news agency that its forces targeted 19 vessels between Friday and…