NewzU.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to hit Iran "hard" following the first exchange of direct military fire between the two nations in weeks. The renewed hostilities began when the United States carried out attacks on Iranian rocket launchers positioned on the island of Larak, an action Washington stated was intended to prevent Tehran from planting mines in a critical shipping lane.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran launched missile and drone attacks aimed at Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, stating that those operations targeted U.S. forces stationed in the region. The escalation also involves the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran.
The renewed military exchanges threaten to unravel a month-long shift toward economic pressure over military engagement. However, despite the escalation and Trump's pledge of a strong response, both sides have indicated that they do not seek a return to full-scale war.
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