Axios reported on 2026-05-14 that President Donald Trump is considering limited military strikes against Iran. ^[1] The US administration announced a new principle to respond to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz with similar retaliatory actions. ^[2] US forces attacked two government-owned Iranian tankers on January 1, targeting their engine rooms with missiles launched by drones. ^[3] US armed forces attacked two oil tankers belonging to the Iranian government in the Strait of Hormuz on September 1. ^[4] US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he could not care less if Iran signs a deal to end the war, calling it worthless to them. ^[5] Washington and Tehran traded attacks in the biggest exchange of fire in weeks on Wednesday, with US forces attacking Iran's southern coast and Iran attacking American bases across the region. ^[6] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the plan for limited strikes on Iran. ^[7] The plan to conduct limited strikes was developed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). ^[8] The targeted tankers were anchored off the Iranian coast, north of the US naval blockade line, and were operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). ^[9] The US military stated this was the first time they have directly attacked Iranian tankers as a retaliatory measure, distinguishing it from previous responses to maritime violations. ^[10] Oil prices rose to $92 per barrel as the conflict re-escalated and hopes of an imminent end to the war diminished. ^[11] US Central Command said American forces successfully completed a wave of strikes against Iranian military targets on Tuesday, including air defense sites, radar systems, and communications sites. ^[12]