Trump vows to hit Iran ‘hard’, but expects conflict to end quickly

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the United States would deliver a forceful response to Iran, though he predicted the current military confrontation would be short-lived and left room for further negotiations. Trump had earlier announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran after recent clashes, prompting calls for de-escalation from mediators Pakistan and Qatar, as well as the United Nations.

“

We’re gonna hit ’em hard tonight.

The efforts to resolve the Middle East war faced a setback following fighting initiated by Iranian attacks on vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This strategic shipping lane remains a focal point of the conflict, which began in late February with US-Israeli strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

"We're gonna hit 'em hard tonight," Trump told reporters at a NATO summit in Ankara, referring to Iran and stating, "They violate the agreement every day." However, he later tempered his remarks, adding that "anything that happens is going to be over very quickly… We're not looking for long term."

“

They violate the agreement every day.

Oil prices surged by eight percent following Trump's earlier comments about the ceasefire being "over." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged "all parties to exercise maximum restraint," a sentiment echoed by Pakistan, a key mediator in US-Iran discussions. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Qatar's prime minister spoke by phone, "underscoring the importance of using diplomatic means to resolve regional issues."

“

anything that happens is going to be over very quickly… We’re not looking for long term.

Both the US and Iran reported striking dozens of targets, further straining their interim agreement to end the war. Iranian state media described explosions around the strait, including in Qeshm, Sirik, and the major port city of Bandar Abbas. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated its forces targeted over 80 sites, including Iranian air-defense systems, radar installations, and 60 IRGC small boats.

“

on all parties to exercise maximum restraint