Iran-US war latest: Trump says ‘we’re going to hit them hard’ as he accuses Tehran of ‘playing us for suckers’

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps launched counterattacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain, using drones and missiles, following US strikes on Iranian surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites. The US Central Command confirmed precision munitions were fired by Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy assets to neutralize threats to US forces and commercial shipping in the region. Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace and urged residents to take shelter after detecting missile and drone attacks, while Bahrain sounded air raid sirens and advised the public to seek safe spaces. Earlier, the Kuwaiti government had already faced Iranian drone strikes the previous day. President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric, stating the US would attack Iran ‘very hard’ again unless a peace deal is finalized. He claimed the US had already struck Iran ‘hard’ the day before, signaling further military action. Oil prices spiked to $94.58 a barrel for Brent crude and $91.74 for US West Texas Intermediate, reflecting market concerns over regional instability. Meanwhile, Israel reported two ‘launches’ near its troops in southern Lebanon, prompting precautionary directives for northern communities to seek protected spaces. Iranian officials, including Majid Mousavi of the Revolutionary Guard’s aerospace force, vowed retaliation, warning the US would face ‘hell’ across the region. The Trump administration also imposed new sanctions on individuals accused of aiding Iran, further tightening pressure amid the escalating conflict. Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran declared it unsafe for navigation following the latest strikes.