Trump Threatens Strong Retaliation After Iran Missile Strike on US Base in Jordan

Tensions in the Middle East escalated again following an Iranian missile attack on a US military base in Jordan overnight. The United States was reportedly caught off guard by the strike, which came amid ongoing regional hostilities. US President Donald Trump, who had paused attacks on Iran less than a week ago to allow for negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, renewed his threats of significant military action, stating, "It’s our turn to strike. We will hit them hard. They asked us not to do it."

In the past 24 hours, hostilities intensified across three key fronts important to the US: Iran launched missiles at the Jordanian base, US and Saudi forces targeted pro-Iranian militias in Iraq reportedly killing 20 people, and an explosion occurred on a gas tanker in Egypt. If Iran or Yemen’s Houthi rebels were behind the tanker blast, it would mark a serious escalation.

US Special Envoy Steve Whitlock expressed frustration to mediators, revealing that extremists within the Iranian government are attempting to sabotage talks and provoke escalation. A senior official from a mediating country noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was reportedly unaware of the missile strike, suggesting that the Revolutionary Guards commander holds actual power over Iran’s military decisions.

Meanwhile, a closed-door meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House focused on Iran and possible US responses. According to a senior diplomatic source, the discussion was positive and free of Israeli demands for territorial concessions. The options presented to Trump included pursuing a diplomatic agreement, intensifying military strikes, or maintaining a naval blockade. Israel’s preference is not necessarily for an attack but depends on the outcome sought. The source also dismissed rumors about the death of Mojtaba Khamenei, affirming he is alive despite his rare public appearances.

The region now watches closely for Trump’s decision, uncertain whether any forthcoming US action will be limited or the start of a broader campaign against Iran.