Trump warns of forceful retaliation after US and Iran trade strikes in Gulf
The United States launched strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to fire missiles and drones at US military positions in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. President Donald Trump has vowed a forceful response, saying 'we're going to hit them hard,' according to a Fox News reporter. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, called for dialogue, stating that continuing the war is in neither country's interest.
The strikes on Larak mark the first direct exchange in a month, following a period when Washington shifted toward economic pressure. Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval counter-blockade have kept the conflict at an impasse after six months of hostilities.
Iranian state media reported three deaths from the US attack, while the Revolutionary Guards claimed their ballistic missiles caused heavy damage at two Jordanian air bases. Washington disputed this, asserting all projectiles were intercepted except one deemed non-threatening. Abu Dhabi denied that Al Minhad Air Base was targeted, though it acknowledged intercepting a drone.
The resumption of direct strikes could escalate regional instability, affecting shipping through a vital oil chokepoint and raising energy costs for global consumers. Gulf states hosting US forces may face heightened security risks, while civilian populations in Iran, Jordan, and the UAE could experience increased anxiety over potential retaliation. The competing narratives of damage and interception may also complicate diplomatic efforts, though Iran's call for dialogue suggests a possible