Iran-US war: Trump warns he is ‘prepared’ to launch new attack ‘any time we want’ On The Ground Newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch on international news Donald Trump has called Iran’s attacks on US targets a “love coup” after US forces hit the country “very hard” in another bizarre tirade. Iranians, Europeans and others in the region seriously fear a return to conflict after the largest exchange of fire between Tehran and Washington since July took place on Wednesday. “Last night was a very strong attack and we are prepared to carry out another one any time we want,” Trump said Wednesday, according to Fox News. “We have technology that is incredible. Nobody has technology like ours. So last night we hit them hard, very hard. They gave us a little love, but we hit them very hard.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is quietly expanding the troop presence in the region as part of a strategy to leave Trump with options open in the war, sources told the outlet. Trump said the United States is prepared to launch another attack at “any moment,” but added that a renewed campaign would not last “too long.” He wrote in a post on Truth Social: “For the traitor SCUM that refuses to accurately report on our military operation in Iran, we have virtually unlimited quantities of medium to high grade munitions, far more than we could use for this or any other war (which is highly unlikely!) that could likely take place. Additionally, we are producing munitions at levels never seen before. We are stockpiling and preparing for any contingency that may occur. We are taking them for ourselves, the US, rather than selling them to others, but sales to the Allies will soon begin again. Also, let them know that the Biden Administration delivered many more ammunition to Ukraine, at no cost to them, than we have used in Iran “Hundreds of billions of dollars were given to Ukraine and NATO, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for. If only they had asked for it, but we will ask for that money, albeit with a little delay! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP “Maryam Zakir-HussainSeptember 3, 2026 17:34 Russia is secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles, report says According to a report, Moscow has recruited some of its most experienced specialists to help Iran develop a new class of missile capable of threatening US aircraft carriers and warships stationed in the Middle East, according to a Financial Times investigation. The central goal of the program was to help Iran develop a special ‘ramjet’ propulsion system that would allow its cruise missiles to fly at several times the speed of sound, the report said. Fabian Hinz, an Iranian missile expert, framed the program as a major transfer of sensitive technology from Moscow that Tehran had been seeking for decades and would require authorization “from the top.” His main concern these days is not his political rivals. They are some of his biggest supporters. A number of small pro-Netanyahu parties are competing in the run-up to the October 27 vote. But rather than strengthening the Israeli leader, these parties – including hardline blocs led by polarizing cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich – risk weakening his re-election chances by splitting the vote among Netanyahu’s base. 2023, attacks and almost three years of war. A victory would mark a stirring comeback for the embattled leader, while a defeat would likely end the reign of a man who has shaped Israeli politics for three decades. Alex Croft September 3, 2026 16:00 Wedding attack draws UN condemnation UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by reports of civilian casualties, including the attack on a wedding ceremony in Iran. His spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said he called for an immediate cessation of military action. “The Secretary General condemns all attacks against civilians. “Remember that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution,” Dujarric said. Tehran accused Washington of breaking into a wedding in Sirik, killing five people and injuring dozens. Alex CroftSeptember 3, 2026 15:29 Tehran warns it will respond strongly to Israeli offensive in southern Lebanon Iran has warned the United States that it will respond strongly to an Israeli offensive in a mountain ridge in southern Lebanon, where Iranian military personnel are holed up alongside Hezbollah fighters, three officials briefed on the message told Reuters. The message, delivered last month, highlights Iran’s continued direct involvement in ground fighting in southern Lebanon and its willingness to retaliate against Israeli attacks there as the regional war enters its seventh month. imposing view. of southeastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese security sources, and has become one of the most contested terrains in the war between Israel and Hezbollah has said in public statements that it controls the hill and will confront any Israeli advance. Its officials have referred to a “facility” there, but have refused to provide details. public statements Alex Croft September 3, 2026 15:00 Israel warns it will attack Iranian civilian infrastructure if attacked by Tehran Israeli defense minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will attack Iran’s civil and energy infrastructure if the country were attacked by Tehran Fears of further escalation gripped the Middle East this week after the United States and Iran exchanged their biggest bombardment since July, with Washington attacking Iran’s southern coast and Tehran firing on US bases. across the region. Israel, which with the United States launched a joint air war against Iran in February, has not been involved in the latest rounds of fighting. Speaking to Defense Ministry employees on Thursday, Katz said that an “Iranian strike against Israel would free Israel from any existing limitations on attacking Iran.” sharply earlier in the week US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he does not expect the US bombing campaign to last “much longer.” Brent crude, the international standard, fell 0.4% to $95.26 a barrel. Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle next month King Charles and Queen Camilla will host Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at Windsor Castle next month, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. The visit, scheduled for October 20-22, will take place against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East as the war with Iran continues. Donald Trump has also threatened to bomb Oman, which has been in resettlement talks with Iran. commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, if it “gets in the way.” So far this year, the British royals have hosted state visits from Trump in April and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in March The attacks took place on Tuesday night, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday. We will bring you more information on the update as we get it.
