Trump says US will keep targeting Iran, warns Tehran will ‘pay the price’

The United States carried out fresh airstrikes against Iran on Wednesday, June 10, with President Donald Trump warning that more attacks could follow if Tehran continued to resist efforts to end the conflict.

The latest escalation came as Iran launched missiles toward Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan — countries that host US military bases — raising concerns that renewed hostilities could further undermine attempts to negotiate an end to the war.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the US would continue targeting Iran after American forces struck military installations earlier in the day.

“We’re going to hit them again hard today,” Trump told reporters.

Shortly afterward, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had disabled an oil tanker accused of transporting Iranian oil in violation of the US blockade on Iranian ports. The vessel became the eighth merchant ship rendered inoperable in waters near Iran since the conflict intensified.

Trump stopped short of confirming whether he would expand attacks to include Iranian infrastructure such as bridges and utility facilities, but renewed pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington.

“We were really close to a deal, but they keep dragging things along,” he said.

The comments reflected the shifting US approach to the conflict. Earlier this week, Trump had suggested a diplomatic breakthrough could be achieved within days.

Despite weeks of sustained airstrikes, Iran has maintained its position and continues to rely on its ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil and natural gas supplies — as leverage in negotiations.

Since the conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, the war has unsettled global markets, driven up energy prices and increased the cost of essential goods. International benchmark crude oil prices rose above USD 92 per barrel on Wednesday, more than 25% higher than before the conflict.

According to CENTCOM, the latest US strikes targeted Iranian air-defence systems, command-and-control facilities and surveillance radar sites.

Iran claimed the attacks also damaged two water reservoirs in the southern city of Sirik, temporarily disrupting water supplies for thousands of residents.

Tehran vowed retaliation, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning the strikes as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and asserting Iran’s right to respond. Iranian authorities later claimed responsibility for missile attacks aimed at Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

Jordan said it intercepted five missiles allegedly targeting the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, which hosts American military aircraft. Bahrain and Kuwait also reported intercepting incoming projectiles.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry indicated that the latest US attacks could affect ongoing negotiations over ending the war. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran would reassess its position on diplomatic talks following the strikes.

Nevertheless, mediation efforts continued. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Wednesday after consultations with US officials, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

The latest exchanges followed a separate incident in which a US Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with an Iranian drone. Both crew members survived and were rescued.

While Trump has expressed optimism about achieving a negotiated settlement, major differences remain. Washington wants Iran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Tehran insists on sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before any final agreement.

Iran has also maintained that any peace deal must address fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel, however, has intensified operations against the Lebanon-based group, complicating efforts to reach a broader settlement.

With both sides entrenched in their positions, prospects for a swift resolution remain uncertain despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.