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

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated 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, conflict 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 resulting in approximately 20 deaths, and an explosion occurred at a gas tanker in Egypt. If Iran or Yemen's Houthi rebels are 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 further conflict. A senior source indicated that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was reportedly unaware of the missile attack, suggesting that real power lies with the commander of the Revolutionary Guards.

Meanwhile, a closed-door meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump at the White House focused on Iran and the possible US responses: pursuing a diplomatic agreement, intensifying strikes, or maintaining a naval blockade. Israeli officials reportedly prefer a diplomatic solution but acknowledge the final decision rests with Trump. The Israeli source also dismissed rumors about the death of Mojtaba Khamenei, affirming he is alive.

The region now watches closely as the US military prepares for a potential retaliatory strike, with uncertainty whether any forthcoming action will be limited or the start of a broader campaign.