Trump vows fresh strikes on Iran, backs Netanyahu amid escalating Gulf tensions

​United States President Donald Trump has vowed to launch fresh military strikes against Iran, warning that Tehran would face overwhelming force as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to deepen.

Speaking during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump declared that the United States was prepared to intensify its military campaign against Iran, insisting the country was no longer in a position to respond effectively.

“We’re going to hit them very hard tonight and we’re going to hit them hard tomorrow, and there’s not a damn thing they can do about it,” Trump said.

“They have nothing. They have nothing going on other than they have big mouths.”

The U.S. president also dismissed the significance of the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last month, describing it as a test that ultimately failed because, according to him, Iran did not honour its commitments.

Trump accused Iranian leaders of acting in bad faith, while Tehran has maintained that the agreement recognised its authority over the Strait of Hormuz and justified its regulations governing vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

Addressing the anti-government protests in Iran, Trump cautioned against encouraging demonstrators to confront the regime, arguing that civilians remained heavily outmatched by Iran’s security forces.

Although he had previously suggested that the Iranian people could reclaim control of their government, Trump said he had never believed such an outcome would be easily achieved under the current circumstances.

The president also dismissed suggestions that his administration had abandoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through its engagement with Iran.

While acknowledging occasional policy disagreements with the Israeli leader, Trump reaffirmed his confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership, describing him as an effective wartime prime minister.

He further argued that the close partnership between their administrations had played a critical role in safeguarding Israel’s security.

Responding to questions about Israel’s approaching elections, Trump said he was not familiar with most of Netanyahu’s potential challengers but stated that he enjoys a strong working relationship with the Israeli premier.

On the broader regional conflict, Trump said Washington had made significant progress toward securing the disarmament of Hamas and pointed out continued efforts aimed at recovering the bodies of Israeli hostages.

Trump vows fresh strikes on Iran, backs Netanyahu amid escalating Gulf tensions