Trump threatens to hit Iran 'very hard'

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up on Friday's top developments here:

• Pakistan PM welcomes disarmament under Gaza Peace Plan
• Oil prices rise after Iran stops ships in the Strait of Hormuz
• Trump says war ‘going well,’ US troops ‘hitting Iran hard’
• Hamas says disarmament hinges on Israel’s withdrawal
• Iran military says targeted US base in Kuwait with drones

Iran signals it's ready to hit back if US, Israeli infrastructure strikes materialize

Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 00:33 GMT | by AFP

A senior Iranian security official says the country has fully developed contingency plans to strike back if the US or Israel move against Iranian infrastructure, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The official dismissed recent US media reports speculating about possible strikes on Iran, characterizing them as reckless rather than credible. He emphasized that Tehran's retaliatory options are already in place and would be activated without hesitation if needed.

According to the official, Iran's response would extend to both Israeli infrastructure and American energy assets stationed elsewhere in the region — signaling that any retaliation wouldn't be confined to Israeli territory alone.

Trump threatens to hit Iran 'very hard'

Published: Aug 1, 2026 | 00:03 GMT | by AFP

President Donald Trump threatened Friday to hit Iran "very hard," as US media reported he was considering renewed heavy attacks as soon as this weekend, including against energy infrastructure targets.

After more than five months of war, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, there is seemingly no end to the conflict, with resumed tit-for-tat attacks.

"We'll be hitting him very hard and, you know, at some point they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore'," Trump said Friday as he hosted a cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland.

The Wall Street Journal later reported that Trump had ordered a fresh attack aimed at convincing Tehran to surrender, which could begin as soon as this weekend, citing unnamed US officials.

For earlier developments, read our July 31 live blog here