Trump vows to hit back 'hard' after first exchange of fire with Iran in weeks

US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday to retaliate harshly following the first exchange of hostilities between Iran and the United States in weeks. The two nations engaged in a brief military clash, with Tehran blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz and the US maintaining a counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Iran claimed the US attacked its military installations in the region, while the US said it targeted Iranian missile systems.

The US President declared, "We're going to hit them hard," according to a Fox News correspondent who spoke to him briefly. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian urged for dialogue, emphasizing that the solution to existing issues lies in cooperation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed their ballistic missile attack on US air bases in Jordan caused heavy damage, though the US Defense Department stated all missiles were shot down, except one that did not pose a threat.

Jordan's military reported intercepting eight missiles but did not specify their origin. Iran also targeted US personnel at an air base in the United Arab Emirates and shot down an American drone over Hormuz, while Abu Dhabi denied US claims of targeting Al Minhad Air Base. Iran's military warned neighboring nations against allowing the US to use their territory for attacks.

A tanker passing through the strait reported being hit by three unidentified projectiles near the northeastern coast of Oman, though the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency stated there were no environmental impacts or casualties. The conflict arose after months of relative calm, and the US had shifted its strategy to economic warfare.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed the continuation of pressure on Iran, stating that a turning point in the campaign could occur within weeks or months. Iran, in turn, vowed to block the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a source of contention and a strategic chokepoint for global oil trade.