Donald Trump warned that the United States would “hit Iran hard” after the two nations exchanged fire for the first time in a month. The escalation began when U.S. forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns that Iran was preparing to lay naval mines. In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE reported intercepting an Iranian drone.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran remains open to a negotiated solution despite the renewed hostilities. Trump also posted an AI‑generated video on Truth Social claiming that Kharg Island, which handles about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, had been “blown to smithereens.” National Iranian Oil Company chief Hamid Bovard called the post “laughable,” insisting that oil operations on the island continued uninterrupted and conditions remained calm. A U.S. official confirmed no attack had taken place, and U.S. Central Command said a limited, precise action targeted IRGC minelaying forces.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the ongoing sanctions campaign could trigger a collapse of Iran’s economy within months unless Tehran returns to negotiations. He said Washington plans to impose new sanctions each week, focusing on banks and potentially cutting institutions off from the dollar‑based financial system.
The renewed clashes pushed oil markets higher, with Brent crude futures rising 56 cents to $91.05 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate up 83 cents to $86.59. In a related comment, Vice President JD Vance asserted that the U.S. military is “big enough” to handle threats around the world, specifically mentioning China, without referencing Iran.
