Donald Trump threatens to annihilate Iran after crossfire over Hormuz – Middle East crisis live
Donald Trump threatens to annihilate Iran – Following a series of military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the United States holds a strategic advantage, declaring that the country has already made significant progress in its campaign against Iran. The strikes, launched on Saturday, targeted multiple Iranian sites in retaliation for a drone attack that damaged a cargo ship in the critical waterway. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, emphasized that the U.S. might soon be compelled to escalate its efforts if negotiations falter. “There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable,” he wrote, “and will be forced to militarily complete the job we very successfully started.” The president went further, stating that if tensions reach a critical level, “the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist.”
Hours after Trump’s warning, regional tensions intensified as the Kuwaiti military activated its air defenses against “hostile” missile and drone attacks. Sirens echoed across Bahrain, according to the country’s interior ministry, signaling an immediate response to the escalating conflict. These defensive actions underscored the growing concern among Gulf nations over U.S. military operations in the region, which have drawn Iranian retaliation. The strikes on Iran, part of a broader crossfire between the two countries, have intensified the Middle East crisis, with both sides preparing for further escalation.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance reiterated the administration’s confident stance on the war with Iran, expressing optimism about the outcomes of the latest strikes. Speaking to HBO’s Bill Maher, Vance stated, “If we make the final deal, then great. If we don’t, their nuclear program is still destroyed. They’re still much weaker as a country, so my attitude is America wins either way.” This sentiment aligns with Trump’s narrative, framing the U.S. as the ultimate beneficiary of the conflict, regardless of the political resolution. Vance’s comments, delivered hours before the strikes, highlighted the administration’s determination to maintain momentum in its efforts to weaken Iran.
Trump also announced on Saturday his intention to nominate Lance Schroyer as the next director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The selection comes as the administration seeks to bolster its immigration enforcement policies, with Schroyer’s background in law enforcement in Oklahoma cited as a key qualification. Trump emphasized Schroyer’s experience, noting that the state has been a stronghold of his political success, having won all 77 counties in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. “Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper and United States Marine,” the president added, positioning the nomination as a continuation of his campaign’s focus on border security and immigration control.
Amid the regional turmoil, Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Fadlallah warned of internal divisions within Lebanon over its agreement with Israel. The militant group, backed by Iran, has criticized the 14-point framework deal signed in Washington on Friday, which aims to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Fadlallah argued that the agreement, which includes plans to disarm Hezbollah, could trigger a “internal conflict” in the country, as the group views it as a threat to its sovereignty. His remarks followed a phone call between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Trump, in which Aoun pledged the state would “assume its responsibilities” to implement the deal, despite Hezbollah’s objections.
Lebanon’s national human rights commission voiced support for the agreement, stating that prosecuting those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity is a legitimate pursuit of justice, not a political act of hostility. “The commission emphasizes that prosecuting perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and torture does not constitute an act of hostility or a political stance,” the statement read, “but rather a legitimate exercise of the rights to justice.” This position reflects the commission’s commitment to upholding accountability while balancing the country’s diplomatic obligations with its allies.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reiterated its readiness to respond with increased force if the U.S. continues its aggressive actions. In a statement on state-run SNN TV, the IRGC’s spokesperson Hossein Mohebi described the enemy as “deceitful and untrustworthy,” warning that it may take “certain actions” at any stage of the negotiations. “Whatever action the enemy takes in this regard, we have responded to it, and we will respond to it,” Mohebi said. He emphasized that the IRGC would escalate its retaliation if Iran’s commitments are violated, stating, “We regard such moves by the enemy as natural because we know the enemy’s nature.”
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf nations to ensure stability in the region. The minister’s remarks followed Iran’s attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, which were in response to the U.S. airstrikes that targeted the Islamic Republic. Araghchi urged the creation of a regional agreement that excludes external interference, stating, “We should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region.” This push for a localized security arrangement signals Iran’s desire to consolidate its influence while countering U.S. military dominance.
As the conflict unfolds, the crossfire between Iran and the U.S. has raised questions about the future of peace talks. The latest attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, launched on Sunday, marked a sharp escalation in the crisis. Iran’s military operations have threatened a “complete halt” in negotiations to end the war, warning that further U.S. strikes would make dialogue difficult. This development adds pressure on both sides to either reach a compromise or prepare for prolonged hostilities, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a flashpoint for global energy security and regional power dynamics.
Trump’s threats and actions have positioned the U.S. as a dominant force in the conflict, but the response from Iran and its allies has shown the country’s resolve to resist. The combination of military strikes, political statements, and regional alliances highlights the complex interplay of power, diplomacy, and strategic interests in the Middle East. As the situation evolves, the fate of the Iran-Israel agreement, the role of Hezbollah, and the future of U.S.-Iran relations will remain critical to the region’s stability.
Key Developments and Regional Implications
The strikes in the Strait of Hormuz have underscored the strategic importance of the waterway, a vital artery for global oil trade. By targeting Iranian infrastructure, the U.S. aims to disrupt the country’s ability to project power and support regional adversaries. However, the retaliatory attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait have shifted the focus to the Gulf’s security concerns, with both nations preparing for potential threats. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been closely monitoring the situation, as any prolonged conflict could destabilize the region’s energy markets and economic interests.
Trump’s assertion that Iran will “no longer exist” if negotiations collapse reflects a broader narrative of American superiority in the conflict. This rhetoric, combined with his selection of Schroyer for ICE, underscores the administration’s dual focus on military and immigration policies. Schroyer’s nomination, which was announced amid the strikes, has been praised by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin as a step toward “targeting, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens,” aligning with Trump’s vision of a stronger immigration enforcement regime.
The Lebanon-Israel agreement, which includes plans to disarm Hezbollah, has sparked debate within the country. While the deal is seen as a way to reduce violence and secure peace, Hezbollah views it as a betrayal of its role as a key player in the region. Fadlallah’s warning about internal conflict highlights the challenges of balancing domestic and foreign policy priorities. The agreement’s implementation will depend on the cooperation of the Lebanese government, which has yet to fully commit to the terms, despite its public assurances to Trump.
As the conflict intensifies, the international community is watching closely. The U.S. and Iran’s actions have implications beyond the immediate region, affecting global trade, energy prices, and diplomatic relations. The Gulf nations, particularly Bahrain and Kuwait, have become central to the conflict, with their responses to the attacks serving as a litmus test for regional unity. The ongoing crossfire between the two sides raises the stakes for peace talks, with the possibility of a complete breakdown in negotiations looming.
Amid these developments, the IRGC’s vow to retaliate more forcefully has added a layer of unpredictability to the crisis. The group’s statements, as reported by Al Jazeera, emphasize its readiness to escalate the conflict if the U.S. continues its aggressive posture. This stance reflects Iran’s broader strategy of using military strength to assert its position in regional politics, even as it engages in diplomatic efforts. The combination of strikes and threats has created a volatile environment, where every move could trigger a new round of hostilities.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the Middle East remains at a critical juncture. The U.S. and Iran are locked in a battle of wills, with each side seeking to outmaneuver the other in a conflict that has far-reaching consequences. As the region grapples with the aftermath of the latest strikes, the path forward will depend on the ability of both nations to either de-escalate tensions or continue their adversarial stance. The Strait of Hormuz, once a symbol of Iran’s geopolitical influence, now stands as a battleground for the future of the Middle East.
