‘They’ll be hit much harder’: President Trump threatens Iran if strikes continue
The U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes for the second time this week, with President Trump warning of severe consequences if Iran retaliates further
WASHINGTON —
The United States and Iran exchanged strikes for the second time this week, reigniting tensions after a month without bombings.
President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that if Iran responds, “They’ll be hit much harder…if it goes a third time, they’re going to be totally wiped out as a country.”
Trump posted on social media on Tuesday, “I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table… I couldn’t care less if they sign a worthless, to them, agreement.”
U.S. Central Command said the latest attacks were in response to Tehran’s attempts to target commercial ships and American forces in the Middle East.
Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait defended Iranian attacks early on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s bombings by American forces.
Iranian state media reported that U.S. strikes hit civilian sites, including a home hosting a wedding, where local officials said five people were killed and dozens were injured.
“The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson.
Economic impact of conflict
Markets are reacting to the renewed conflict. Brent crude oil, the international standard, is trading around $95 per barrel, up from $72 before the war began in February.
For the first time ever, according to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gas stayed above $4 every day in August, adding pressure on Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. On Wednesday, AAA is reporting the national average for regular gas is $4.12.
Top Army leader steps down
Meanwhile, there are questions surrounding the resignation of U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll after serving in his role at the Pentagon for 18 months.
The White House praised Driscoll’s leadership, stating the Army is “more powerful than ever” because of his work, but it has not explained the reason for his resignation. But it follows reports of tensions between Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Reports indicate friction between Driscoll and Hegseth over the direction of the Army, including disagreements about the removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and the commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe. The Army is also rolling back a drone modernization program that Driscoll had championed.
The White House has not yet announced who will replace him.
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