Trump warns of 'hard' response after first US-Iran exchange of fire in weeks
Trump threatens to hit Iran 'hard' after first exchange of fire in weeks; Treasury vows continued economic pressure.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington will respond forcefully to Iran after the two countries engaged in their first direct exchange of fire in several weeks. The development marks a notable escalation in tensions that had appeared to cool recently.
Speaking on Monday, local time, Trump said the United States would hit Iran "hard," signalling a more aggressive posture following the incident. The exchange of fire is the first such confrontation between the two sides after a period of relative calm.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed the administration's commitment to a sustained pressure campaign aimed at crippling Iran's economy. The twin signals — military and economic — underscore a coordinated strategy as the White House seeks to increase leverage over Tehran.
The latest flare-up raises fresh concerns about the trajectory of US-Iran relations, with both sides appearing to harden their positions. No further details about the nature of the exchange of fire were immediately available.