Trump renews threat to attack Iran, Tehran responds by vowing prolonged conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated threats of potential military strikes against Iran, suggesting during a political rally in Iowa that Washington may ultimately need to deal Tehran “the hammer”.

Speaking to supporters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections on Sunday, the 80-year-old president claimed he had exercised restraint regarding further military engagement primarily to prevent additional loss of life.

“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,” Trump stated.

The remarks follow earlier indications from the U.S. administration that additional targets remain under consideration.

In response, Iranian officials warned that any renewed military confrontation with the United States would far exceed the scope and duration of past hostilities, emphasizing that Washington would not dictate the terms of engagement.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that Tehran is fully prepared for a protracted conflict and rejected the prospect of American control over how hostilities would conclude.

“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 via Iranian state television.