Trump calls Iran conflict a "relatively little war for us" after first strike exchanges in weeks

US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to hit Iran "hard" following the first exchange of fire in weeks between the two nations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for dialogue and said that continuing the war is detrimental to everyone's interests. The US and Iran are currently at an impasse, with Iran maintaining control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the US persisting with a naval counter-blockade.

The recent attack on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz by the US resulted in Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks on Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, claiming the targets were US forces. Despite this, Trump claimed all the missiles fired at US forces were shot down, except for one. Jordan's army reported intercepting eight missiles, without specifying their origin.

Iran also reported targeting US personnel at an air base in the UAE and shooting down an American drone over Hormuz. The US military dismissed Iran's claim that Al Minhad Air Base was targeted as disinformation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported knocking out a second US drone over the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's armed forces central command warned regional neighbors against allowing the US to use their territory for attacks.

The exchange of fire occurred after weeks of relative calm, with the Trump administration focusing on economic warfare. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to continue exerting pressure on Iran, stating that they have had good discussions and a turning point in the campaign could come within weeks or months. Iran, in turn, is exerting economic pressure through its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which has impacted global markets and raised prices for American voters during a critical midterm election year.