Trump Warns Iran of ‘Very Hard’ Response as US Weighs Fresh Military Strike
Reports suggest Washington and Israel are weighing coordinated action targeting Iran's energy facilities amid escalating tensions
Washington, Aug. 1: US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a fresh warning to Iran, declaring that the country could face a severe military response as his administration reportedly considers launching another round of strikes in coordination with Israel.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, Trump signalled that Washington was prepared to intensify pressure on Tehran if hostilities continued.
“We’ll be hitting him very hard… at some point they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore,'” Trump said, underscoring his administration’s hardline approach to the ongoing conflict.
According to media reports, senior US officials have been instructed to prepare military options that could be implemented as early as this weekend. The proposed operation is believed to focus on strategic energy assets, including oil refineries and power infrastructure, with the aim of increasing pressure on the Iranian leadership.
Separate reports indicated that Washington and Israel are holding close consultations over possible coordinated military action. However, officials familiar with the discussions said no final decision has yet been taken on whether to proceed with the strikes.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of a conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iranian targets. Since then, both sides have continued exchanging attacks, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran’s critical infrastructure could become a target if attacks on international shipping persist. He recently stated that any assault on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would invite direct retaliation against key Iranian facilities.
Reports also suggest that the proposed military plan was discussed during recent meetings involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington.
Despite the growing momentum for military action, some White House officials are said to have expressed reservations during internal deliberations, arguing that another offensive could further destabilise the region and escalate the conflict.
If authorised, the operation would mark a significant expansion of the current military campaign and the first direct Israeli participation in a renewed phase of strikes since the early weeks of the conflict. Analysts believe the coming days could prove critical as diplomatic efforts continue alongside preparations for possible military action.
