Donald Trump unleashes expletive-filled threat after Iran’s surprise attack on US bases
The US and Saudi Arabia responded with coordinated strikes on Tuesday night against multiple weapons depots and logistics facilities
Donald Trump has pledged that Iran is "going to get a beating" following Tehran's unprecedented ballistic missile assault on American military positions in Jordan.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired multiple ballistic missiles at US troops on Tuesday night in what US Central Command described as a surprise attack, marking the first time Iran had struck without provocation rather than in retaliation.
Jordan's air defence systems successfully shot down all five incoming missiles.
Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday morning, the president said he had watched footage of the attack as it unfolded.
Mr Trump said: "We're to beat the f*****g s**t out of them. We'll be hitting them hard. They're going to get a beating."
The US and Saudi Arabia responded with coordinated strikes on Tuesday night against multiple weapons depots and logistics facilities belonging to the Popular Mobilisation Forces across eastern Iraq, according to US Central Command.
At least 20 Iran-aligned fighters were killed and 32 wounded in the operation.
Riyadh's direct involvement marked a dramatic shift, with Mark Cancian of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies telling the Washington Post: "They've lost patience and taken a step that they've been reluctant to take in the past, directly attacking other Arab organisations."
He added that the move could signal Saudi willingness to grant the US access to military bases on its territory.
The PMF denounced the assault as a "highly dangerous escalation" and vowed inevitable retaliation, warning that Saudi targets could also be struck "if the situation demands it."
The militia said any response would be delayed until after the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala had concluded.
Global energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude climbing 5.8 per cent to $86.82 a barrel in the wake of Mr Trump's remarks.
Global energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude climbing 5.8 per cent to $86.82 a barrel in the wake of Mr Trump's remarks
The threat to shipping intensified on Wednesday when a drone struck the Energos Winter, a US-owned gas storage tanker, at the Egyptian Mediterranean port of Damietta.
The resulting blaze spread to three neighbouring gas tankers before being contained, with all crew safely evacuated, according to maritime security firm Ambrey.
The IRGC also attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, directly defying Mr Trump's threat to target Iranian bridges and power infrastructure in response to such actions.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels were reportedly planning to impose transit fees on vessels navigating the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, further tightening pressure on global trade routes.
Separately, Israel accused Hezbollah of violating the Lebanese ceasefire by deploying an explosive drone against an unmanned IDF engineering vehicle on the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Washington and held talks with Vice-President JD Vance on Tuesday evening
An IDF spokesman called it "a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon by the Hezbollah terror organisation."
The incident threatens to unravel the truce and an ongoing programme under which Israeli forces gradually transfer control of territory to the Lebanese army.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Washington for the funeral of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, held talks with Vice-President JD Vance on Tuesday evening.
Mr Vance has openly criticised Israel, accusing it of undermining peace talks with Tehran.
Mr Netanyahu was also scheduled to meet Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.