Trump vows to hit Iran "hard" after attack on US forces in Jordan

US President Donald Trump has vowed a strong response after Iran fired missiles at American forces in Jordan.

“We’re going to hit them hard,” Trump told Fox News in a phone call on August 31.

“There will be a response.”

Trump said US air defences intercepted most of the missiles launched overnight. One missile was allowed through because it was not expected to hit a target, he said.

At least eight ballistic missiles were fired at US forces in Jordan, according to a US source cited by Fox News. The attack followed a US strike on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launchers on Larak Island.

The US military said it had carried out a “limited, precise action” against forces preparing to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which it described as an imminent threat to commercial shipping and the free flow of global commerce.

Despite the threat of further military action, Trump said there was still a possibility of talks with Iran.

“They want to meet so badly,” he said, while adding that he was unsure whether an agreement with Tehran could be trusted.

Trump also said US sanctions on Iran were having a strong effect. Iranian officials have increasingly acknowledged the economic impact of the sanctions and falling oil exports.

The Iranian rial has fallen to about 2.1 million to the US dollar, a historic low. Regional intelligence sources cited by Fox News have warned that growing economic pressure could trigger further unrest.

Despite the economic difficulties, Tehran has shown no indication that it is ready to change course or reach an agreement with Washington.

By Aghakazim Guliyev