Trump vows Iran will be hit very hard in escalating conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed that Iran will be “hit very hard”, escalating tensions as the widening Middle East conflict enters its second week.

Trump issued the warning on Saturday in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying additional targets in Iran were now under consideration following continued hostilities between Tehran, the United States and its allies.

“Today Iran will be hit very hard,” Trump wrote, adding that areas and groups previously not considered targets were now under review for possible destruction because of what he described as Iran’s “bad behaviour.”

The remarks came amid a rapidly escalating regional crisis involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities and retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East.

The conflict has expanded beyond Iran, with strikes and interceptions reported in Gulf states and Israel as missiles and drones crossed regional airspace. Some attacks triggered explosions near key infrastructure, including areas around airports and military bases.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Tehran would not surrender despite mounting airstrikes, rejecting U.S. demands for “unconditional surrender.”

In a televised address, Pezeshkian said calls for Iran to capitulate were unrealistic and vowed that the country would defend itself if attacked.

Trump argued that Iran had been forced to apologise to neighbouring countries following attacks across the region, claiming the apology reflected the pressure created by ongoing U.S. and Israeli operations.

He said Iran was no longer the “bully of the Middle East,” asserting that sustained military action had weakened the country’s ability to dominate the region.

The latest threats have intensified fears of a broader regional war, with heavy bombardments reported in parts of Iran and Lebanon and continued retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. and allied positions.

Despite international calls for de-escalation, both sides have signalled that further military action remains likely, raising concerns about the stability of the wider Middle East.