President Donald Trump has warned that U. S.
military action against Iran could resume after the upcoming midterm elections if diplomatic negotiations fail.
He also said long-term peace with Tehran may be unachievable.
The warning came as the U. S.
Department of the Treasury imposed new measures targeting Iran's automotive and railway sectors.
The sanctions are intended to increase economic pressure on the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
International concerns are growing over regional stability and potential attacks on foreign military assets and aviation.
Investigation Into FlyDubai Co-Pilot
At the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked about a potential connection between Iran and a FlyDubai co-pilot who attempted to crash a flight bound for Israel.
He confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter.
"We're working on it right now," Trump said.
Trump claimed initial reports indicate a connection, though investigators have not publicly established official details or a motive.
"I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes, but we're working on it right now," he said.
When asked how Washington would respond if Tehran's involvement is proven, the president threatened swift military retaliation.
"Oh they'll be hit, very hard, don't worry," Trump said.
He reiterated that Iranian leadership is fully aware of the situation and the risks involved.
"You just ask them," he said. "They know what happened.
They'll be hit very hard."
In the United Kingdom, counterterrorism police arrested a 27-year-old Iranian-British dual national in London following a security incident at RAF Fairford, an airbase used by American warplanes.
Authorities are examining potential foreign state involvement, while a second man remains under questioning after initial suspects were released on bail.
"The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry," said Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing.
Evans confirmed investigators are exploring every angle to determine the origin of the security threat.
"As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement," she said.
Humanitarian agencies warned that ongoing military actions continue to impact civilian infrastructure across the region.
In southern Lebanon, combat operations have severely damaged farmland, heightening concerns over local food supplies and long-term rural stability.
"puts additional pressure on farmers and rural communities that, frankly, were already facing considerable hardships," said Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
Bechdol warned that agricultural degradation and logistical disruptions threaten regional stability.
"very concerned about just general food security levels," she said.
Despite the escalation, Iranian officials said they are evaluating an American counterproposal concerning a potential seven-day ceasefire and the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
