Trump vows to hit Iran ‘hard’ after first exchange of fire in weeks
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a strong response against Iran following a military exchange in the Strait of Hormuz. While the U.S. conducted strikes on Iranian rocket launchers, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly called for dialogue to de-escalate the conflict.
Why it matters
The escalation threatens global shipping lanes and regional stability in the Middle East, potentially impacting global oil prices and security.
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian called for dialogue and said continuing the war is in no one's interest. (EPA Images pic)
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to hit Iran "hard" after the two foes traded fire for the first time in weeks, as his Treasury secretary vowed to keep up a pressure campaign aimed at hobbling Tehran's economy.
After 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 Iranian ports.
On Sunday, the US carried out strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran quickly retaliating by attacking US military targets in the Middle East.
The exchange raised fears of a return to major hostilities, with the US president vowing to respond.
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