We will target Iranians even more harshly, says US President Donald Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that Washington could launch further and more severe attacks, as a fresh exchange of strikes between the two countries threatens to push the Middle East conflict into another dangerous phase.

Trump’s warning came after Iran claimed it had targeted US military positions in Jordan in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian launch sites on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The latest confrontation is the first direct flare-up between Washington and Tehran in several weeks.

Speaking after the Iranian attacks, Trump said Iran had already suffered major damage to its economy, military and leadership, but stressed that the United States could strike again if necessary. His remarks raised fresh concerns that the recent exchange could develop into a wider military confrontation.

The US military had earlier carried out strikes against Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, saying the targets were linked to preparations to deploy rockets and sea mines that could threaten shipping through the strategically important waterway. Iranian authorities reported casualties in the attack.

Iran claims US drone shot down

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed that its air-defence systems had shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state-linked media said the drone fell into the Gulf after being intercepted. The claim has added another flashpoint to an already tense situation around the vital maritime route.

Iran has also claimed that its missile and drone operation targeted US bases in Jordan. Jordanian authorities said their air-defence systems intercepted eight missiles that entered the country’s airspace, while reports indicated no injuries at the targeted bases.

Iranian officials have described their attacks as retaliation for the US strike on Larak Island. Tehran has warned that further aggression could trigger stronger responses.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has become particularly sensitive because the waterway is a crucial route for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption could affect oil supplies, shipping costs and international energy markets.

The latest escalation has also raised concern among regional governments, particularly after reports of attacks and attempted attacks involving military facilities and commercial shipping.

With Washington threatening further action and Tehran vowing to respond to any new strikes, fears are growing that the latest confrontation could undermine efforts to contain the wider US-Iran conflict.