World News Today Live Updates: Trump says US could still ‘smack’ Iran ‘to see what happens’

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States could potentially "smack" Iran "to see what happens" regarding tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Iran's economy, military, and leadership have been "largely deteriorated," but emphasized that the US has not ruled out further strikes. This assertion came after Iran retaliated for a US strike on rocket launchers at Tehran's Larak Island by launching attacks on US bases in Jordan and on American military targets in the UAE's Al Menhad airbase.

The UAE's Defence Ministry denied the claim that Al Menhad had been targeted. Iranian state media reported that the US attack resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries among Iranian fighters and civilians. Oil prices surged over 2.7%, reaching near $90.49 per barrel for Brent crude and $85.76 for WTI as the conflict escalated fears of a broader regional crisis.