Trump warns Iran of ‘price to pay’ as tensions escalate

Central Command reported that most Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted, with no immediate casualties or damage to U.S. facilities.

President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that Iran “will pay the price” for dragging its feet in negotiations, as tensions escalated following a fresh round of strikes and counterstrikes across the Middle East.

In a phone interview reported by Fox News, Trump said he was close to ordering new strikes against Iranian power plants and bridges. On Truth Social, he posted that Iran would “pay the price,” a message that sent oil markets higher. Brent crude rose nearly 2 percent to $93.19 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $90.11.

The warning came after the United States carried out overnight strikes on nearly 20 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems and a petrochemical plant in Mahshahr that Israel said was producing ballistic missile components. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated with drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Kuwait condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty, while Jordan said it intercepted five missiles aimed at its al‑Azraq base.

Central Command reported that most Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted, with no immediate casualties or damage to U.S. facilities. Iranian state media initially reported an explosion near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, but later clarified there had been no new incident there on Wednesday morning.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through “contradictory messages, shifting positions and attacks,” warning that talks could not advance without a stable environment. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Israel’s continued campaign in Lebanon was also damaging the process.

Israel has maintained its operations against Hezbollah, issuing new evacuation orders for the Lebanese city of Tyre, including its Christian quarter, ahead of possible strikes. Tehran has said any peace deal with Washington depends on halting the Lebanon offensive, while Israel insists the conflict should be treated separately from U.S.–Iran negotiations.

Trump told Axios he had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against escalating further: “Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.” He also hinted he might have “an idea” for a deal with Iran within days, though he offered no details.

The latest exchanges underscore the fragility of the April ceasefire and the risks of a wider confrontation. With Iran continuing to block most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Washington enforcing its own blockade of Iranian ports, the standoff threatens both regional stability and global energy supplies.