Trump threatens fresh strikes on Iran, Tehran warns of prolonged war

United States President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of further military strikes against Iran, warning that Washington could eventually have to “give them the hammer” if tensions between the two countries persist.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Iowa ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, suggesting that he had so far restrained himself from ordering additional military action to avoid further loss of lives.

“And the only reason why I’m not finished with Iran is I want to be nice. I want to try and save all those lives if I can… But at some point we’re going to have to give them the hammer,” the 80-year-old president said.

His comments have renewed concerns over the possibility of another military confrontation between Washington and Tehran amid continuing tensions over Iran’s military capabilities and regional activities.

Trump also reportedly indicated that there were additional targets requiring attention, reinforcing concerns that the United States could consider further military operations against the Islamic Republic.

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Iran, however, has responded with a warning that any fresh confrontation with the United States could be more prolonged than the previous round of fighting.

Iranian army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, said Tehran would not allow Washington to determine the duration or conditions under which a future conflict would end.

“A potential future war could last longer than previous conflict, and the American president would not be in a position to dictate the timing or the conditions of its conclusion,” Akraminia said, according to Iranian state television.

The warning signals Tehran’s readiness to resist any renewed military action, as both countries continue to exchange threats over the possibility of further escalation.

The latest exchange of statements has heightened concerns about the prospect of another conflict in the Middle East, with the possibility of military action carrying wider implications for regional security and international stability.

While Trump has presented his restraint as an effort to prevent additional casualties, Iran’s response suggests that any renewed confrontation could prove difficult to contain, with neither side willing to concede control over the outcome of a potential war.