Trump Vows Attacks on Iran for ‘Playing’ the US over Peace Deal
Former US President Donald Trump threatened renewed military strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of delaying peace talks and 'playing the US for suckers,' while escalating violence saw Iran retaliate against US allies Bahrain and Jordan after Washington’s airstrikes. The conflict, which has seen crewed aircraft shot down and civilian casualties in Lebanon, risks reigniting full-scale hostilities despite UN calls for restraint and mediation efforts by Qatar.
Former President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that the US would resume military attacks on Iran, blaming Tehran for prolonging peace negotiations and calling its negotiators 'suckers.' He claimed the US was 'really close to a deal' but accused Iran of delaying, adding, 'They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price.' Trump’s remarks came after Iran retaliated against US strikes following the downing of an American helicopter, with Iran targeting Bahrain and Jordan while the US hit Iranian air defense sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation followed a shaky ceasefire that began in April, marked by sporadic violence. Iran said it attacked Bahrain and Jordan after the US struck Iranian targets in retaliation for the helicopter downing, which was the second crewed aircraft shot down by Iran during the conflict. Bahrain intercepted and destroyed 'a number of Iranian aerial attacks,' while Jordan shot down five missiles, reporting no casualties or damage. Kuwait also engaged hostile aerial targets, as Iran has recently conducted deadly strikes there. US Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian air defense and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz, while an American warplane disabled an Iranian tanker violating US sanctions in the Gulf of Oman. The violence prompted de-escalation calls from Iran’s allies Russia and China, with Beijing urging both sides to 'stop intensifying the conflict.' Meanwhile, Iran insisted any peace deal must include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has clashed with Israel since March. Israel’s military ordered the evacuation of southern Tyre after airstrikes, while a medical source reported 12 civilian deaths in Lebanon on Wednesday. Despite a nominal truce, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued, with over 3,600 killed in Lebanon since the conflict began. Qatar, a mediator alongside Pakistan, sent negotiators to Tehran to bridge remaining gaps in talks, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that even a 'lesser fire' could escalate into full-scale war. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has destabilized the region and rattled global markets.
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