US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that Iran would face a strong military response following Tehran’s attack on American forces in Jordan, saying the United States would retaliate forcefully.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Fox News, Trump said the US would “hit them hard” and warned that Iran would “get a beating” in response to the attack.
The president also said overnight US strikes targeting Iran-backed militias in Iraq had been carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government.
Despite the latest escalation, Trump indicated that diplomatic efforts with Tehran would continue.
“We’re going to let them keep talking,” he said, referring to ongoing negotiations over a possible peace agreement.
Earlier this week, Trump said the US and Iran were engaged in “good talks” and suggested there was a “good chance” of reaching a deal. However, he warned that military operations could resume if diplomacy failed.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Yemen’s Houthi movement is considering imposing fees on commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea, a week after announcing a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, according to regional sources familiar with the matter.