Trump threatens further action as US and Iran exchange fire in new flare-up

The United States and Iran have exchanged fire for the first time in a month, reopening a dangerous confrontation around the Strait of Hormuz. US missiles and drones struck Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the waterway, while Iran targeted American military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

US Central Command said the strikes came late Sunday after it detected plans for Iran to deploy fresh mines in the strait. Washington said repeated attacks on Iranian missile launchers and radar systems had weakened Tehran’s control over shipping. The claim is disputed by Iran, which rejected Donald Trump’s statement last week that the US Navy had cleared the waterway of mines for the first time since the conflict began on February 28.

“

targeted technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities and enemy fighter jet positions at the US-operated King Hussein and al-Azraq airbases in Jordan

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted “technical infrastructure, maintenance facilities and enemy fighter jet positions at the US-operated King Hussein and al-Azraq airbases in Jordan” with ballistic missiles, causing “heavy damage”. The United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry said it intercepted a drone over its territorial waters.

Trump told Fox News, “We’re going to hit them hard. There will be a response.” He described Iran as “officially a failed nation without an airforce, a navy or a currency” and accused its leaders of being unable to represent the country. The White House had signalled the previous week that Trump was favouring an economic campaign against Iran through sanctions rather than additional military measures.

“

We’re going to hit them hard. There will be a response.

Iranian state television said the exchanges intensified after a tanker caught fire after striking two Iranian naval mines while attempting to use the southern side of the strait near Oman. Iranian officials later said three ships had been targeted for using a route Tehran considers unauthorised. The IRGC warned that other ships violating its passage rules would face the same treatment.

Yet Iran’s president offered a different signal during talks with Pakistan’s prime minister on Monday. Masoud Pezeshkian said continuing the war was not in Iran’s interest and remained ready to implement a memorandum of understanding with the United States that Pakistan had helped mediate in June. Iran’s currency also came under renewed pressure, intensifying concern among lawmakers about the inflationary effects of its depreciation.

“

officially a failed nation without an airforce, a navy or a currency