Washington signals potential strikes while Tehran engages Gulf partners and Moscow, amidst domestic political fallout over Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump warned of potential renewed military strikes against Iran, stating that Washington may have to deliver a “heavy hit” and “destroy” what remains of the country.
The warning came during an Oval Office appearance where Trump did not detail specific operational targets. The statement arrived as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth encountered intensifying political pressure over the conflict, facing imminent congressional action from Democrats alongside criticism from Republicans who attribute recent midterm election losses to the war effort. Trump publicly defended Hegseth against impeachment threats while commending US military operations conducted in Iran and Venezuela.
Concurrently, diplomatic efforts accelerated across the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conducted discussions with regional counterparts aimed at security coordination and de-escalation. In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin held direct talks with Iran’s security chief.
Regional security risks persisted simultaneously in the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi air defence forces intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile directed toward Najran and the Medina region, while intercepting an armed drone over the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
