Iran live updates: Trump hints at future strikes on Pickaxe Mountain, downplays war

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump defended the U.S. stance in the conflict with Iran, describing it as a "very soft war" with no recent major attacks, while suggesting potential strikes on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility.
• The U.S. conducted limited defensive airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, responding to an Iranian attack on a U.S. aircraft, but officials emphasized these actions do not indicate a resumption of full-scale combat.
• Trump stated he is in "no rush" to decide on further military action against Iran, highlighting ongoing financial pressure on Iran and ongoing diplomatic talks, though he noted Iran's slower urgency to reach a deal.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei warned that the conflict is ongoing, emphasizing Iran's preparedness for any escalation and stating that any aggression involving allies of the U.S. and Israel would provoke a strong Iranian response.
• Baqaei also stressed that a final agreement and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depend on the end of the U.S. naval blockade and respect for Iran's demands, which Tehran says have been clearly communicated in ongoing negotiations.