Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Sep 1: Regional tensions escalated again on Monday as US President Donald Trump warned Iran of a “hard” response following renewed exchanges of fire between the two countries after a month-long lull.

The latest escalation came after the United States carried out strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz on August 30. Iran subsequently retaliated by targeting US military positions in the Middle East.

“We’re going to hit them hard,” Trump told a Fox News reporter, adding that there would be a response. He also dismissed concerns over the impact of the conflict on US military resources, describing it as a “little war”.

The United Arab Emirates separately said it had shot down an Iranian drone over its maritime territory following the renewed US strikes.

The conflict, now in its sixth month, has also triggered fresh concerns in global energy markets. Oil prices rose on Monday amid fears that continued fighting could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.

West Texas Intermediate crude crossed $86 a barrel after rising 2.8 per cent earlier, while Brent crude settled near $90. Gold prices stabilised after falling sharply over the previous two trading sessions, with renewed concerns about energy costs and inflation weighing on financial markets.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a tanker reported being struck by three unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman. No casualties or environmental impact were reported.

The latest exchanges began after US forces struck an island in the Strait of Hormuz, following which Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US positions in the UAE and Jordan.

Trump has also intensified his rhetoric against the Iranian leadership, accusing Tehran of economic and military failure and warning that further action could follow.

Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump said the renewed strikes did not necessarily indicate a return to a full-scale war but warned that the US could launch further attacks depending on developments.

Asked whether he had ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, Trump said there was “no reason” to do so, claiming that Iran had already been “totally defeated militarily”.