Trump vows to hit back 'hard' after first exchange of fire with Iran in weeks

Donald Trump has vowed a "hard" response following the first exchange of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces in over a month. The confrontation occurs amidst a six-month period of ongoing hostilities that have left both nations at a strategic impasse.

While the U.S. administration signals a forthcoming military or political reaction, Iranian leadership has publicly stated that further escalation is not in their national interest. The situation remains volatile as the Strait of Hormuz continues to be closed to traffic, impacting regional stability.