US President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran if further military action is required, as tensions between the two nations escalate following a series of retaliatory strikes. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the US might be forced to 'militarily complete the job' it started, adding that 'the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist' if that happens.
The threat came after Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in response to US airstrikes on Iranian targets. The US strikes were themselves a retaliation for a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also threatened a 'complete halt' to negotiations if Washington continues its attacks.
US Vice-President JD Vance reiterated the administration's stance, stating that 'America wins either way' regardless of whether a final deal is reached. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti army reported that its air defences were responding to 'hostile' missile and drone attacks, and air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of further retaliation if the US continues its attacks. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, was in Baghdad for talks with his Iraqi counterpart, calling for a security framework with Gulf nations.
International condemnation of Iran's attacks has come from countries including Jordan, the UAE, and Italy. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed 'strongest condemnation' and urged against any escalation that could jeopardise diplomatic efforts.
