US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that the United States would respond “very hard” after Iran launched a missile attack targeting an American military base in Jordan, significantly escalating
tensions in the Middle East even as Washington says it remains open to diplomacy.
Speaking during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump described the strike as an “attempted surprise attack” and said Iran would face severe consequences if it continued to target American forces.
“We’ll hit them very hard if they do anything,” Trump said, while adding that the US still preferred a negotiated settlement over a wider military conflict.
Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Jordan
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles at a US military installation in Jordan. The missiles were intercepted by US and Jordanian air defence systems before they could strike the base.
The strike is the first direct Iranian missile attack on a US military base since Trump paused planned US bombing operations against Iran last week in an effort to keep diplomatic channels open.
US, Saudi Arabia Strike Iran-Backed Militias
Hours after the missile attack, the United States and Saudi Arabia launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq.
The strikes reportedly targeted logistics hubs, weapons depots and military infrastructure used by armed groups backed by Tehran.
Iraq condemned the operation, calling it a violation of its sovereignty, while Iran denied it was seeking a broader regional war despite the latest escalation.
Trump Says Diplomacy Remains an Option
Despite warning of military retaliation, Trump maintained that Washington had not abandoned diplomacy.
He said the US had been holding “good talks” with Iran but warned that any further attacks on American troops or military installations would invite a strong response.
His comments signal that while negotiations remain on the table, the White House is prepared to escalate militarily if US personnel come under attack again.
Oil Prices Jump on Fears of Wider Conflict
The latest exchange between Washington and Tehran rattled global energy markets.
Brent crude prices climbed to nearly $88 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also gained sharply as investors worried that further escalation could disrupt oil supplies from the Middle East and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
