US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has prolonged negotiations over a deal to end the Middle East conflict for too long, and that the country will now pay the price. Trump claimed on social media that the Iranian military has been "completely defeated."
In a post on his own platform, Trump sharply targeted Iran, writing that Tehran did not accept a deal that would have been "very good" for it in time. In the same message, he said Iran will now bear the consequences.
In a phone interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, President Trump said there has been no progress in peace talks. He added that because of this, the US might have moved closer to certain targets in Iran, such as energy facilities and bridges.
These remarks contradict a message Trump gave to reporters the day before. On Tuesday, he said negotiations to permanently end the war were in the final stages and could be completed within two or three days.
In another post on Wednesday, Trump praised the naval blockade against Iran. Calling it one of the "most successful" measures in history, he claimed it has stopped Iran’s trade and prevented military salaries from being paid.
In the same message, he said other countries are still exporting "too much oil." Trump ended his post with the phrase "Thank God!"
These statements come amid escalating reciprocal attacks between the US and Iran. On Wednesday morning, the US launched airstrikes against Iran; in response, Tehran carried out retaliatory attacks against some countries in the region.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed they used long-range missiles to strike and destroy four major targets in Jordan. The state news agency IRNA reported that among the targets were shelters for F-35 fighter jets at an airbase and the US command center in Al-Azraq.
Jordan announced it intercepted the incoming missiles. The Jordanian Armed Forces reported that five missiles launched from Iran toward Al-Azraq were shot down, with debris falling to the ground but no casualties or material damage.
An announcement from Jordan’s state agency Petra noted that explosive experts were examining the fallen debris. It was recalled that a significant airbase near Azraq hosts various squadrons of the Jordanian Air Force.
The Kuwaiti military also stated that its air defenses faced "hostile aerial targets." While the attacker was not named, it was noted that Iran has recently carried out deadly attacks against the country.
The Bahrain Defense Forces announced that some missiles were successfully intercepted. The statement accused Iran of continuing its "systematic hostile approach" with illegal missile and drone attacks targeting civilians.
