Brief pause in Iran war ends with new attacks in Iraq and Egypt
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-29 17:50:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Threatens Iran with Escalation as Regional Conflict Spreads
President Trump has issued new threats against Iran following reported Iranian attacks on a U.S. base in Jordan, signaling a renewed escalation in the ongoing conflict. In blunt language, Trump vowed retaliation, stating, “So, we had five rockets shot going 8,500 miles an hour, and all five rockets were knocked down to the ground. But they nevertheless took a shot. So it’s our turn.” He went further in a FOX News interview, declaring, “We’re going to beat the effing S. out of them.”
These statements come amid a rapidly widening conflict across the Middle East. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have launched joint airstrikes in Iraq targeting Iranian-backed militia groups, which the U.S. claims are responsible for over 30 drone attacks in recent days, including strikes on Saudi oil facilities. The violence has also spread to Egypt, where an explosion at an American-owned gas storage tanker was attributed by Trump to an Iranian-backed group. Energy experts warn that if this incident proves to be a drone strike, it could threaten the Suez Canal, a critical global shipping route.
Trump’s aggressive posture has raised concerns among regional allies. Saudi Arabia’s defense minister reportedly met with U.S. officials to warn that further escalation could trigger Iranian attacks on Arab capitals and vital infrastructure. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have expressed unease about the current U.S. approach, describing it as indecisive and unsustainable.
As the conflict intensifies, President Trump’s rhetoric and threats of further military action risk deepening instability and expanding the war’s reach across the region. The situation remains volatile, with significant implications for global energy supplies and regional security.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/brief-pause-in-iran-war-ends-with-new-attacks-in-iraq-and-egypt