- June 10, 2026
‘Going To Hit Them Very Hard’: Trump Renews Iran Strike Threat; Pezeshkian Calls It ‘Desperation’
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Trump accused Iranian negotiators of dragging out peace talks and attempting to deceive the United States.
Iran and the United States traded attacks following the downing of an American Apache helicopter. (Image: Reuters/File)
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his threat of military action against Iran, warning that American forces would continue striking targets inside the country as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump accused Iranian negotiators of dragging out peace talks and attempting to deceive the United States.
“We’re going to be attacking them — attacking them very hard,” Trump said. “We were really close to a deal, but they keep tapping us along, they keep playing us for suckers.”
“We hit them hard yesterday. We’re going to hit them again hard today,” he added.
Pezeshkian Hits Back
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded sharply to Trump’s remarks, dismissing threats against Iranian infrastructure as a reflection of American frustration rather than strength.
“Critical infrastructures are the lifeblood of the people. Threats to target them, from transportation networks to the electricity and water industries, are not a show of strength but a sign of desperation in the face of a nation’s will,” Pezeshkian said.
“Iran, relying on the knowledge and capabilities of its specialists, national unity, and solidarity, will stand firm against any pressure or threat,” he added.
Fresh Escalation After US Helicopter Downing
Iran and the United States traded attacks following the downing of an American Apache helicopter.
The aircraft became the second crewed US military aircraft confirmed by Washington to have been shot down by Iran during the conflict. The US military said both crew members were rescued safely.
In response, the United States launched strikes on Iranian targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate against American military installations in the region.
Iran said it targeted US bases in Jordan and Bahrain after American forces carried out retaliatory attacks on the Islamic Republic.
Gulf States Intercept Iranian Attacks
Bahrain said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed multiple Iranian aerial threats, while Jordan’s military announced that it had shot down five incoming missiles without any casualties or damage.
The Kuwaiti military also reported engaging what it described as “hostile aerial targets” in its airspace amid growing regional instability.
Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed strikes on Iranian military infrastructure near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
“CENTCOM struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz,” the command said in a statement posted on X.
Ceasefire Under Pressure
The latest flare-up has placed additional strain on a ceasefire that came into effect in April but has been repeatedly tested by sporadic exchanges of fire between the two sides.
Analysts warn that continued attacks risk drawing more countries into the conflict and could threaten commercial shipping through the Gulf, a critical artery for global energy supplies.
Diplomacy Continues
Despite the escalating rhetoric and military exchanges, diplomatic efforts remain underway.
Negotiators from Qatar, which has been mediating alongside Pakistan, travelled to Tehran on Wednesday for talks aimed at narrowing differences between the two sides.
A diplomat familiar with the negotiations said the Qatari delegation was meeting Iranian officials “in an effort to bridge the remaining gaps” and keep the diplomatic process alive.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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