Trump says US will hit Iran 'hard' again today

Former US President Donald Trump stated the US would hit Iran 'hard' again on Wednesday, escalating tensions after Iran shot down a US Army helicopter on Tuesday. Trump claimed Iran had been 'completely defeated' militarily and accused Tehran of delaying negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by vowing Iran would 'stand firm against any pressure or threat,' while Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqai accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts with inconsistent actions. The US launched strikes on Iranian defense systems, radar sites, and ground control stations near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Central Command (Centcom). Iranian state media reported the attacks damaged two reservoirs, cutting off drinking water for thousands in Sirik for 12 hours. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted US bases in Bahrain and Jordan, though Kuwait intercepted an attack. A US official confirmed nearly all Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted, with no casualties reported. The conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, prompting Iran to launch attacks on Israel and US allies. A ceasefire was agreed in April but has since seen intermittent exchanges. Meanwhile, the US military struck an Iranian oil tanker, the Settebello, in the Gulf of Oman for violating a blockade, leaving three Indian sailors missing and 21 rescued. This was the eighth ship targeted by the US since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Trump previously claimed an Iranian drone had hit the US helicopter without exploding as it patrolled the Strait of Hormuz. The two crew members were rescued by an American sea drone, though Iran has not officially claimed responsibility for the downing. Negotiations between the two sides have been fraught, including a meeting in Pakistan, but tensions remain high.