US President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran ‘very hard’, as US media reported that he is considering launching major attacks within hours, particularly targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential retreat of Camp David in Maryland, Trump said: “We will hit them very hard, and as you know, at some point they will say, ‘We can’t take it anymore.’”
Trump also voiced frustration over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. He renewed his criticism of Iran, accusing Tehran of repeatedly failing to honour agreements and of publicly misrepresenting the substance of the talks.
“Everything they do makes me angry,” he said.
Later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration’s dissatisfaction, accusing Iran of signing a memorandum of understanding with the United States on a ceasefire last month before quickly violating it by ‘firing on commercial ships and killing American soldiers’.
In a statement, Leavitt said: “President Trump will not stand by and allow this terrorist behaviour to continue.”
She added: “Iran will continue to pay the price until it returns to the negotiating table in a way that President Trump considers serious and meaningful.”
Later, The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US officials, reported that Trump had ordered a new offensive aimed at forcing Tehran to surrender, with the operation potentially beginning within hours.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the United States and Israel were planning co-ordinated strikes on Iranian energy facilities, possibly within hours. According to the network, the targets could include oil refineries and power stations.
Throughout the conflict, Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure. Last week, he vowed to destroy ‘a bridge or a power plant’ every time ships were attacked in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
CBS, quoting multiple unnamed sources, reported that while the president had not yet given final approval for the bombing campaign, the United States and Israel had already co-ordinated the plans.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the US struck an Iranian ammunition depot in Esfahan with 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs.
Citing a US official, the report said a high volume of the penetrator munitions was used in the strike, part of ongoing US operations targeting Iran’s military infrastructure.
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