US-Iran exchange of fire — US President Donald Trump has vowed to retaliate forcefully against Iran following a direct exchange of fire between the two nations, the first such incident in a month. The renewed hostilities have heightened tensions in the region, which had recently seen a shift towards economic confrontation.

The escalation began when Iran launched missiles targeting two US air bases in Jordan. This action was reportedly in response to a US strike on Iran’s Larak Island, where Washington claimed to have hit launchers responsible for deploying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the exchanges, Trump was quoted by a Fox News reporter as stating, “We’re going to hit them hard. There will be a response.”

Trump also indicated that US forces had permitted one Iranian missile to pass through air defenses, deeming it unlikely to cause damage, while intercepting other incoming projectiles. Speaking to reporters, he characterized the renewed strikes not as a precursor to full-scale war, but as a response to Iran’s status as a “failed nation” whose military and economy have been significantly weakened. He added, “That doesn’t mean we won’t smack them. We’ll see what happens.”

A senior Iranian source described the overnight exchanges as a “limited and contained confrontation” but warned of a severe response should Iran face further attacks. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, urged maximum restraint from both sides and called for a return to diplomatic negotiations to restore regional stability.