US President Donald Trump on Monday vowed a response to Iran’s overnight strikes on US forces in Jordan, as tensions again ramped up between the sides after a month-long lull in fighting. Following six months of war, the foes remain at an impasse, with Iran keeping the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed and the US persisting with a naval counter-blockade of Iran and threatening to enact crippling sanctions. “We’re going to hit them hard,” Trump told Fox News, hours after posting AI footage of an attack on Iran’s Kharg Island, which US Vice President JD Vance told reporters later Monday was simply “a message to the Iranians,” and not an indication of US attack plans.
“There will be a response,” Trump assured the outlet, adding that almost all of the missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. Iran launched the missiles at a US base in Jordan late Sunday night in retaliation for the US striking Iranian military’s assets, which the US says were preparing to drop mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the US strikes killed two people and wounded several more.
Iran also launched several missiles at the United Arab Emirates overnight, and continued its fire Monday, with the UAE saying that it intercepted an Iranian drone over its waters. There were no reports of damage. “This dangerous escalation constitutes a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and a direct threat to the safety of its citizens and residents,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said. The Gulf nation later issued a second statement denying a claim by the Iranian army that the Al Minhad Air Base in Dubai had been targeted, saying it was false. (Read More)
