US President Donald Trump has warned of further military action against Iran, saying more severe attacks could follow while insisting there remains room for negotiations.
In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday, Trump accused Iran of failing to honour an agreement with the United States and claimed US military action had prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
We're going to hit them very hard, Trump said, adding that Iran had "practically nothing" left and was relying on rhetoric.
Shortly after the interview, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces had carried out fresh strikes on Iran for a third consecutive night, according to the report.
Trump also suggested that Iran's underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near the Natanz uranium enrichment site could become a future military target.
He claimed the US was closely monitoring the facility and warned that it could be attacked if necessary.
According to the report, Pickaxe Mountain lies about a mile south of the Natanz nuclear complex and contains two deep underground tunnel systems believed to be heavily fortified. Experts have said the site may be difficult to destroy even with powerful bunker-busting bombs.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the tanker attack, alleging the ships had ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted area.
Bahrain also came under renewed missile attack, prompting authorities to activate air raid sirens and advise residents to seek shelter. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The UAE condemned the attacks and said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents.
The latest escalation comes amid an ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies. Oil prices rose following the renewed hostilities, with Brent crude climbing above $84 per barrel in early trading.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai canceled consular appointments through Wednesday, citing the deteriorating regional security situation.
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