Trump Declares Iran 'Beaten Like Hell' Following President's Apology for Gulf Strikes
Former US President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran is "being beaten like hell" after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a rare apology for attacks on Gulf nations. This statement came despite Tehran's ongoing military strikes across the region on Saturday, contradicting earlier suggestions that Gulf states would be spared from retaliatory action.
Trump's Forceful Response on Truth Social
Trump responded forcefully on his Truth Social platform, warning that Iran "will be hit hard" after Tehran dismissed American demands for unconditional surrender as "a dream that they should take to their grave." The former president framed Iran's apology as evidence of surrender, declaring: "Iran is no longer the 'Bully of the Middle East,' they are, instead, 'the loser of the Middle East.'"
Trump attributed Iran's pledge to halt strikes to "the relentless US and Israeli attack," adding that he was considering "complete destruction" of new "areas and groups of people" over Iran's "bad behaviour." He further claimed US strikes have destroyed 42 Iranian naval vessels.
Continued Strikes Despite Apology
Despite President Pezeshkian's Saturday morning apology for attacks on Iran's neighbours following a week of intense missile fire, Iranian forces escalated strikes against Israel and Gulf countries hosting US forces. Pezeshkian stated Iran would "no longer attack neighboring countries or launch missiles unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries," while Iran's foreign ministry clarified that 'defensive operations' against US military bases shouldn't be interpreted as hostility toward regional countries.
Tehran claimed responsibility for an attack on the American base in Juffair, Bahrain, prompting the island nation to advise residents to seek shelter. Qatar's defence ministry separately reported eliminating a missile threat "which targeted the State of Qatar."
Regional Impact and Casualties
The conflict's regional impact became increasingly severe:
- Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international travel hub, diverted passengers to train tunnels after an alert sounded, with video footage showing a drone strike appearing to hit near the airport
- Emirates briefly suspended all flights to and from Dubai before resuming operations, though authorities haven't clarified whether there was interception or damage
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared his country in a "time of war" in his first public comments since hostilities began
- Air defences engaged to intercept missile threats across the region throughout Saturday afternoon
Casualty figures continued to rise, with officials reporting at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, around a dozen in Israel, and six US soldiers killed. Israel claimed to have destroyed 16 Iranian aircraft belonging to the IRGC's Quds Force in overnight attacks on Tehran.
Military Escalation and Warnings
The Trump administration has warned that "the biggest bombing campaign" of the eight-day war is still forthcoming, as an American B1 bomber landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Smoke billowed over Tehran as Israel announced beginning a broad wave of strikes, with footage showing explosions and smoke rising over western Tehran.
Early Saturday, loud booms sounded in Jerusalem as incoming missiles from Iran sent people to bomb shelters across Israel, though no immediate casualties were reported by emergency services. Israeli warplanes have also targeted Beirut and Tehran, while Iran's UN ambassador stated the country would "take all necessary measures" to defend itself.
Thousands of Americans remain stranded across the Middle East, with criticism mounting over the Trump administration's planning for the escalating conflict. The situation continues to develop as regional tensions reach unprecedented levels following Iran's apology and subsequent military actions.
