'Going To Hit Them Hard Again Today': Trump Warns Of More Strikes As US-Iran Tensions Escalate

The conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel intensified sharply on Wednesday as fresh American airstrikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure and Tehran responded with attacks aimed at countries hosting US forces. Amid the growing confrontation, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, saying additional military action was imminent if negotiations continued to stall.

The latest developments have raised fears that diplomatic efforts to end the months-long conflict could collapse, even as mediators continue pushing for a breakthrough.

Trump Signals More Military Action Against Iran

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump indicated that Washington was prepared to launch further attacks against Iran following Wednesday's strikes.

"We're going to hit them again hard today," Trump said, while declining to confirm whether critical Iranian infrastructure such as bridges and utility facilities would also be targeted.

The US President expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations and urged Tehran to finalise an agreement with Washington.

"We were really close to a deal but they keep tapping us along," Trump said.

His remarks contrasted with his comments earlier in the week, when he had suggested that a peace agreement could be achieved within days. The latest warning highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Washington's strategy as fighting continues.

Gulf Region Drawn Into Expanding Conflict

Trump's statement came shortly after Iran launched attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which host American military personnel.

Jordan reported intercepting five incoming missiles aimed at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a facility known to host US military aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets. Authorities said no casualties were reported.

Bahrain and Kuwait also confirmed intercepting incoming projectiles, though officials did not provide additional details.

Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command announced that American fighter aircraft had struck Iranian air defence systems, surveillance radars and ground control stations. Iranian authorities acknowledged explosions around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but did not disclose the extent of any damage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of the country's sovereignty. According to his office, he stressed Iran's right to respond through self-defence measures.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei later said Iran would reassess its position on negotiations following the latest American military action.

Oil Markets And Global Economy Feel Impact

Since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, the conflict has had significant economic consequences worldwide.

Energy markets have been particularly affected, with international crude oil prices climbing above $92 per barrel on Wednesday. Prices have risen by more than 25 per cent since the conflict began, increasing costs for fuel, food and other essential goods across many countries.

Iran continues to view its ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as a major strategic advantage. The waterway remains one of the world's most important routes for oil and natural gas exports.

While both Washington and Tehran appear interested in ending the conflict, major disagreements remain unresolved. The United States continues to demand that Iran surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Tehran insists on sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before any final agreement is reached.

Trump intensified pressure on Iran through a post on Truth Social, accusing Tehran of delaying negotiations and warning that it would face consequences.

He wrote that Iran was taking "too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!"

Israel Expands Operations Against Iran's Allies

The broader regional conflict also continued to escalate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government's hardline approach, saying Israel would "continue to act forcefully against Iran and its proxies that threaten the Middle East and the entire world."

Israeli forces carried out multiple operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over the past day. According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, an airstrike near Tyre killed at least six people, while another Israeli drone strike in Sidon left two more dead.

An Israeli military official also disclosed that an Iranian missile struck a non-critical section of the Ramat David airbase in northern Israel during Sunday's exchange of fire. No injuries were reported.

The confrontation extended to regional waterways as well. In the Gulf of Aden, security personnel aboard a cargo vessel exchanged gunfire with attackers in a small boat and successfully repelled the assault, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre. No group immediately claimed responsibility.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid New Security Concerns

Despite the intensifying conflict, international mediation efforts remain underway. Following consultations with Washington, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for discussions aimed at reducing tensions and reviving negotiations.

At the same time, investigators are examining an incident near the Strait of Hormuz in which a US Army attack helicopter crashed after colliding with an Iranian drone. Both crew members were rescued unharmed, according to US officials, though it remains unclear whether the collision was deliberate.

Adding to regional concerns, India's Ministry of External Affairs reported that three Indian crew members were missing after a commercial vessel flying the Palau flag was attacked off the coast of Oman. The ministry confirmed that 21 Indian sailors had been rescued, but did not identify who was responsible for the assault.

As military operations expand across multiple fronts and diplomatic talks struggle to gain momentum, hopes for a quick end to the conflict remain uncertain.