US President Donald Trump said that Iran will be “totally wiped out as a country” if Tehran retaliates for renewed US strikes on Tuesday, during a phone call with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst.
“If they do respond, they’ll be hit much harder,” Trump told Yingst. “This is a very big hit today. If it goes a third time, they’re going to be totally wiped out as a country.”
Tuesday’s strikes marked the second instance of American military actions against Iran after a week-long lull in hostilities.
In regard to seeking further peace-making opportunities with Tehran, Trump asserted that he “gave them a lot of chances” and believes “an agreement with them isn't worth the paper it's written on.”
In a Truth Social post regarding the strikes, Trump declared Iran a “failed nation,” asserting that Tehran had triggered the US military action with its attempt to plant sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz and an attack targeting US troops in Jordan.
“The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait… and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our military base in Jordan,” Trump said.
This is a developing story.