Trump vows to hit Iran hard after fresh exchange of fire

US President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate strongly against Iran following a fresh exchange of fire in the region, marking the first direct military clash in a month and raising tensions. Iran had launched missiles at two US air bases in Jordan in response to a US strike on Larak Island, where Washington claimed it had targeted Iranian launchers firing mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, quoted by a Fox News reporter, stated that the US would "hit them hard" and that there would be a response to further attacks.

While neither side appeared to seek a full-scale war, both signaled their readiness to respond to additional strikes. Trump described Iran as a "failed nation" whose economy and military had been severely weakened, but ruled out using nuclear weapons against Iran, stating that it was already militarily defeated.

Iran's response, the first since late July, was described as a "limited and contained confrontation," but the Revolutionary Guards said they would deliver a harsh retaliation if attacked again. Trump claimed US air defenses had neutralized all Iranian missiles that could have caused damage and added that secondary sanctions on Iran were having a significant impact.

Earlier, Trump posted fake AI-generated videos showing explosions at Iran's main oil export terminal, claiming "Kharg island being blown to smithereens!!!" However, no such attack occurred. Iran dismissed Trump's post as "laughable." In an effort to further pressure Iran, Washington has intensified secondary sanctions targeting third countries buying Iranian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed Iran's retaliation to the economic strain caused by the new sanctions.